Free Free Syria!

Today 50-60 folks from the Syrian community, along with some allies, gathered at the CNN center to express solidarity with the people of Syria and to condemn the brutality displayed by the Syrian Government.

Yesterday alone an estimated 200 peaceful protesters were gunned down in Syria. Their crime was demanding basic civil rights, constitutional reform, and the implementation of concrete measures to fight government corruption.


The demands from the Atlanta Syrian community were simple, and are basically echoing what Syrians in Syria are demanding.

· Stop the use of live ammunition against peaceful protesters and children

· Hold accountable the perpetrators of the killing of peaceful demonstrators and bring them to justice

· Allow free media and international human rights organizations to cover the situation

· Restructure the security agencies to protect peaceful protesters

· Release all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience

· Recognize political parties and allow for genuine freedom of expression

· Amend the Syrian constitution to limit the presidential term of office and implement free elections

· Introduce clear measures to fight corruption

The push for broad reforms in Syria should be seen as part of the broader movement in the Middle East, "Arab Spring" as some are calling it. Here at American Friends Service Committee we have been in talks with several different Arab communities we've worked with over the past three years about the possibility of bringing everyone together for a panel on the Arab Spring. It could be an opportunity to explore the global implications, as well what it means for folks who have migrated here from the region.

Tim Franzen
American Friends Service Committee

Walk Like An Egyptian!

I stood for a moment at the intersection of Marietta Street and Broad Street, completely perplexed, unable to determine which direction would bring me to my destination. The city traffic continued to bustle and hum in a frenzy, hoping to avoid the nuisance of waiting at the next red light. Within the seconds of stillness before the next green light, I noticed a faint sound of chanting to the rhythm of drums. My uneasiness quickly subsided as I turned to my left and began walking up Marietta Street towards The CNN Center.



I stood across from a crowd of people occupying the street corner diagonal to the CNN Center. Although the crowd appeared smaller in comparison to that of last week’s protest, the energy was equally as enthusiastic and the message just as clear. The group held much variety, proving their support and love did not exclude anyone, nor benefit anyone specifically. I stood in awe of the dedication these people possessed. Although halfway across the world, we stood together in solidarity with those fighting for freedom in Egypt.



On January 25, 2011, millions Egyptians flooded the streets of cities such as Cairo, Aswan, Alexandria and Ismailia, with intentions of peacefully protesting the persistent rule of a regime which has suppressed economic and political opportunity within the country for decades. The massive demand for the deposal of the Mubarak Presidency and its corrupt, unjust law enforcement caused fatal acts of violence crossing socio-economic boundaries and involving various religious faiths. The brutality continued for eighteen days, until Friday afternoon, when President Mubarak announced his resignation from office. Protesters in Egypt and all around the world spent today celebrating the end of the thirty year dictatorship.



“It has been an exciting development,” said Dianne Mathiowetz of The International Action Center, “to witness an absolute river of people—young to old—who felt the need to fight for their liberation within every muscle—every tendon of their body—and were willing to put their life on the line... it is incredibly inspiring to everyone.” Mathiowetz is one of many people who have attended the weekly protests responsible for drawing crowds of at least 250 people and heavy media coverage in Atlanta.



High school student Asma Hajjaj has also been participating in the protests every week with her friends. “It’s the least we can do all the way here in America.” Hajjaj stated that she has family over in Egypt, and that one of her cousins is actively involved with the protests. “My cousins in Egypt texted me right away when Mubarak stepped down; I was in school and I started screaming in the middle of class!” Hajjaj and several friends spent the afternoon chanting “Mubarak, Mubarak, now you’re gone, now we can party all night long!” and “Freedom!” on the street corner diagonal to The CNN Center. Others were clapping, singing, and beating on drums. Everyone there was smiling and celebrating the success in Egypt, and honoring those who gave their lives along the way.



“This is definitely the beginning of something…” said Hajjaj while smiling with her friend. “When we heard Mubarak resigned, we wanted today to be more of a celebration than a protest. We don’t exactly know what will happen next, but it is truly amazing to see the people of Egypt go out there and fight for what they want.”


Katherine Paist
Guest Writer

Atlanta Makes Even More Noise For Egypt!!

Today the second demonstration in solidarity with the Egyptian people took place in Atlanta, again in front of the CNN center. There was some concern that less people would come out today due to the cold weather. Those concerns were smashed by the time 1:30pm rolled around. There were easily 300 people, maybe more, and the energy was much stronger.

Folks filled all four intersection corners and at the height of the demonstration a group of fifty of so jay walked from corner to corner to the beat of drums and chants over mega phones, lifting signs and waving flags.

Media coverage was again very strong with national and local coverage by countless media outlets.

There was also concern that after President Mubarak's last Wednesday, and the clearly Government manufactured clash amongst Mubarak supporters(who were found to be on the government payroll) and those calling for democracy and Mubarak's removal, that there would be a split in the Egyptian American community. There was not. The unity amongst all who came was twice a strong, twice as loud as last week. It seems the Egyptian Government has failed to fool anyone, and the train of revolution seems unstoppable at this point.

“The revolt in Egypt is not an ideological or religious one,” Said Sam Abdelaziz, one of the organizers of today's rally. “It is a natural human reaction to reject injustice and corruption. People in Egypt and everywhere in the world have the same dreams, hopes, and aspirations to see their kids doing better than they did, to be able to support their families, find jobs, and live dignified lives. Geography has nothing to do with dreams.”

"Egypt has lots of resources but only the elite prosper,” said Dr. Nagi Gebraeel, another local organizer. “There is no middle class, the people are impoverished. 41 million people live below the poverty line, the price for basic food is very high, and the infrastructure is decaying."

Organizers for today's rally have called for a third rally, to take place next Saturday February 12th from 12-3pm.

American Friends Service Committee Atlanta has been excited to be a part of this local effort in Atlanta and the last few weeks have filled our heart with hope for grassroots organizing and humanity in general. The acts of non-violent revolution in Egypt in the past week have personally brought me to tears at times, they are historic.Muslims, Christians, Atheists, students, workers, young, and old working together in the streets. It will be studied, and perhaps emulated by others for years to come.

To read AFSC's official statement on the revolution in Egypt and it's regional impact visit:

http://afsc.org/story/promoting-peace-and-democracy-egypt

* Photos by Andrea Nicholls

Tim Franzen

American Friends Service Committee

Atlanta Stands In Solidarity With The People Of Egypt

Today around the country, around the globe, demonstrations in solidarity with the people of Egypt took place and Atlanta was no exception.

Just days ago several Americans of Egyptian decent banded together to organize a demonstration outside of the CNN center. None of them had ever organized anything like it in the past. They had no experience writing press releases, sending them out, developing talking points, the legalities of holding a street demonstration, but that didn't stop them.

Over the course of just days this small group of passionate folks built a rather impressive, lively demonstration that drew out around 250 people and was covered by CNN, CNN Espanol, The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Indy Media, several local TV stations and more.

The organizers talking points were simple and to the point:

1. We stand in Solidarity with the courageous Christian, Muslim, and Secular Egyptians fighting side by side for their democratic right to end a totalitarian government.
2. President Mubarak’s government has been in power for the past 30 years. It is plagued with corruption, failing economic policies, fraudulent elections, selective enforcement of the rule of law, and police torture. Egyptians paid a heavy and now they are asking for their basic rights.
3. The Egyptian demonstrators are demanding the right to free speech, fair elections, and equal opportunities. As Americans, we ask our government to stay true to our principles and support the Egyptian people and NOT the government of Mubarak.
4. We are concerned for excessive human right abuses, and violence taking place NOW in Egypt. The People Have Spoken and by supporting them we will stay true to our American principles of democracy and our interests, because a democratic society is a peaceful society.

Many in the crowd had direct connections to those that are in Egypt right now and fear for their loved one's safety. There was a mix of excitement over what seems to be an inevitable, seemingly spontaneous revolution, and concern for the clear human rights violations of the Egyptian government.

Since the internet and cell phone blackout in Egypt yesterday there have been reports of escalated violent clashes between protesters and police in Egypt, but there have also been reports of police officers laying down their weapons, refusing to fight their own communities, even joining the demonstrators.

AFSC's official statement on the unfolding situation in the Middle East and Africa came out Friday, "AFSC staff in the Middle East and Africa are following the news regarding the wave of demonstrations across the region. We add our prayers to those of many others around the world that there is no further loss of life. We also encourage those in power to listen to the young people who are expressing their aspirations and welcome their role."

Locally, here in Atlanta, we're excited to continue to work with and support the folks that organized today's rally. While one can not predict the conclusions of what has begun in Egypt, it is exciting to witness workers, students, and others demanding a fairer, more just society. It is exciting to see everyday people standing up to their government and demanding the right to self determination and rejecting governance which can only be forced upon a people by the barrel of a gun or tyrannical economic policies. It's exciting to be in Atlanta today, and be able to add our voice to the global choir....which seems to be getting louder. Can you hear it?

Video Footage from today shot by Brent Allison
Photography by Khaled Ragab



Tim Franzen
American Friends Service Committee