An Israeli opthamologist NGO has been praised for providing the “most successful” medical camp the Maldives has ever seen following its conclusion last week, despite protests including the burning of Israeli flags and the alleged assault of a government under secretary, Abdulla Shahid, Coordinator for the country’s National Disaster Management Centre (DMC) has claimed.
Shahid claimed that for the hundreds of Maldivians who had not “been too scared” to travel for a consultation or s surgical procedure on their eyes with the NGO, a free service was on offer that was only available otherwise at the country’s private medical clinics.
“There has never been such a successful camp,” he said, despite allegations of “scare mongering” and an assault on a relative of one patient arriving at a hospital for an operation with the NGO.
However, the visit of the Eye from Zion NGO, which had been working at hospitals across the country offering “eye surgery camps”, has seen a number of protests taking place against it, with high-profile politicians such as Umar Naseer and former State Islamic Minister Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed joining the movement.
Both men have claimed following a protest held in front of the Tsunami memorial on Friday December 17, that their opposition to the NGO was not anti-Semitic or targeted directly at Jews, but rather a sign of “solidarity” with fellow Muslims about concerns with Israeli foreign policy, particularly in Palestine.
Both politicians spoke along with other figures at a rally of hundreds of people gathered in Male’, some carrying banners in both Dhivehi and English with messages ranging from “Say no to Israeli terrorism” and “Jews said Allah is poor” to “We are with anyone who fights Israel & USA” and “Bloody Zionists”.
However, Shahid told Minivan News that he believed that the protests were more often the result of “political” considerations rather than solidarity with Palestinians. Therefore he claimed that for the hundreds of people screened at camps in Male’, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and Addu Atoll, who “couldn’t afford to fly to destinations like Bangkok for specialist treatment”, the arrival of Eye from Zion staff on December 9, 2010 was an important sharing of expertise from a “knowledge-based economy”.
“From the first day [the NGO worked] at the hospitals, religious groups had begun displaying their banners outside and they even tried to attack one person. The person has since filed a complaint with the Country’s Human Rights Commission,” he claimed.
According to Shahid, the person who alleged the attack, themselves a political under secretary, claimed to have been assaulted after trying to take a relative for an operation with the Eye from Zion group, a process that was eventually carried out. The alleged victim was unavailable for comment when contacted by Minivan News at the time of going to press.
Ultimately, with the screening of some 215 people in Male’ alone, Shahid said that 16 patients had undergone surgery with Eye from Zion doctors in the capital and 104 had received consultations from the NGO. DMC figures stated meanwhile that 137 people were found to have been treated in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
However, Shahid conceded that the protests, along with a campaign of “scare stories” that were being spread around the country involving “organ harvesting”, had taken their toll on numbers actually turning up for surgery, some of whom he said “were too scared to take part” in the eye camps.
“In Addu Atolll there were rumours going around that the doctors were putting strong glue in the eyes of patients,” he said. “These guys [protests organisers] need to bring surgeons to the country to help start treatments for people.”
These “stories” included claims reported by NGOs such as the Islamic Foundation of the Maldives (IFM) that it was advisable to take “precautionary measures to avoid any foul play” from Jewish doctors that were “ notorious for illegally harvesting organs from non-Jews.”
The furore over the visit of Israeli surgeons under the Eye from Zion banner has led to NGOs such as Jamiyyathusalaf to call for the provision of “military training to all Muslim Maldivians and familiarise citizens with the use of modern weaponry” before “Jews take over the country”.
Distancing itself from what it called “hysterical” statements such as these, the co-founders of the IFM told Minivan News earlier this month that they believed by adopting a “pro-Israel” stance and working with NGOs like Eye from Zion, the Maldivian government was losing support and credibility among its people.
However, Shahid claimed that from the perspective of the DMC, cooperation with specialist NGOs was seen as hugely beneficial, no matter their national origin.
“There have been several camps all set up with different NGOs. This is the first time we have had a group from Israel,” he said. “However, we don’t have any set practices in regards to what nation we invite NGOs to visit from. We would welcome help from anywhere.” Former Deputy Leader of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), Umar Naseer, who had been one of the speakers at the Tsunami Memorial protest, said last week that he believed that protests continuing throughout the week were a reflection of “concern over the continued relationship” between the governments of Israel and the Maldives.
“Israel continues to bombard cities and continues to occupy Palestinian lands,” he said. “As Muslims, we have one basic principle; if one of us is hurt, we all are. Similarly, if Palestinian people suffer, so do we,” he said.
Naseer claimed that the government had turned a “blind eye to the frustrations of its people” and that the protestors believed that the “Maldives should not accept Israeli NGOs or their aid”. “Once we have settled the issue [of Palestine], then we can have normal relations,” he said.
Before resigning from his position as the Islamic State Minister on Thursday December 23, Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed of the religious Adhaalath party said that he didn’t see the protests against Eye from Zion “as a religious problem” but as a reflection of dissatisfaction with Israeli foreign policy. “The thing is injustice, we are not enemies of Jews and Christians,” he said. “We don’t want Jews to kill Palestinians; they are not obeying the UN or international law.”
Prior to his speech at the Tsunami memorial protest, Miadhu last week reported that Shaheem had used his Friday sermon on the same day – December 17 – to claim that the history of Jewish people was “full of deception, trickery, rebellion, oppression, evil and corruption”.
According to the report, Shaheem had said that they [Jewish people] were always seeking to cause “mischief on the earth and Allah loves not the mischief-makers”.
“So it is not it is not acceptable that one who would stab the ummah in the heart could heal the eyes. This philosophy is not acceptable,” he said.
Shaheem did not elaborate or confirm if he had said these comments when questioned by Minivan News at the time. The former Islamic State Minister claimed that he had used his Friday Sermon to call for peaceful protest.
“I asked for no problems to be created for the [Eye from Zion] doctors,” he said.
Ultimately, Shaheem said that protests against the policies of the Israeli government have been occurring all over the world in London, Paris and New York and this didn’t mean “these people were against all Jews”.
“Our problems are with groups like Zionists,” he said.
Shaheem pointed to the London-based protestor, Brian Haw, who has spent many years camped outside London’s Houses of Parliament in part of ongoing peaceful demonstration linked to opposing UK governmental policy such as backing invading Iraq back in 2003, as a reflection of the “democratic” importance of protesting and solidarity.
“He is just one man sleeping in a tent protesting, yet he is not a Muslim,” Shaheem said.
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I wonder why the "one eye zionists" arent treating the innocent children's eyes they bomb? DMC Shahid is well know Maldivian terrorist! All Maldivians refer to him as a terrorist!! The real terrorist are the Gay's, Alcohol drinkers, child abusers, women beaters, fornicators, adultrators and big shot thief's who are in top ladder of MDP, DRP, QP, Waheed Party, Yameen Party ..etc. Let us clean this country from these terrorist!! Minivan news is promoter of zionist ideology!
@safari
....if we do so, maldives would have only children left as we both know, even the religious freaks are child abusers, drunkards and horniest men on earth. Politicians are diapers, they keep changing based on the s@#t around them so don't worry about them, let them steal, they will eventually die sick, unhappy and leave the money back.
...whoever you are, take a minute before making conclusions...did you watch news today? how many muslims were killed by own muslims in pakistan/Afghanistan today, and for what? so who actually is a terrorist or do you really understand the meaning of zionist?
“As Muslims, we have one basic principle; if one of us is hurt, we all are. Similarly, if Palestinian people suffer, so do we,” (A quote of Umar Naseers words)!
Dear Umar Naseer,
Did you know there are less than 100 kids from infants to teenagers(orphans, unprivileged, abused and abandoned) at a government home in Villingili?
Did you or any of your followers ever paid a visit, ever offered moral help, ever donated a pencil or even a book to a child there?
Do you know there's is a disabled child for years at this home who needs a special wheel chair that costs less than USD800, if not even USD300 from china, yet you live a show off lavish lifestyle?
Umar, dont take advantage of situations to promote your unstable, dead political career, or shifting like sand dunes from party to party.
..you drive a posh car, travel business class, eat well and probably sleep soundly on Curlon king size mattress daily yet a few handfull of kids less than a mile away from Male' live like HELL, eat SHIT and NOT CARED FOR. what kind of a muslim are you who cant mend your own backyard but can do for others miles away?? Palestine is thousands of miles away...villingili is ten minutes by boat and cost you not a dime!
...these are maldivian blood, kids of maldivian parents and yet NO ONE has ever ever set foot in the last few months to evaluate or just see the standard.
Do you know how many attendants are taking care of these kids with special needs? Less than 5, poorly equipped or trained. Ironically, Maldivians went crazy with floods in Pakistan and donated millions, negotiated with MMA to get dollars, and yet NEVER DONATED even MRF10 to these kids or those in Guraidho!!!!
..shame on you and those who think like you.....a typical politician who lost his own party, kicked out of DRP and now begging for recognition again. A duplicate of the defeated president of Ivory coast. We have not forgotten the bad things you said about President Gayoom..., introducing sheria law, accusing others. Ironically you now find Gayoom a savior, and think the public is stupid. I wouldn't be surprised if you try join MDP, it wont happen!!!! Stop this nonsense Umar, retire from politics and volunteer as a basketbal team coach, am sure president nashid would appoint you without the need of majlis approval. You are majlis anyways....
...if politics goes bad for you, i am sure you will be welcomed with your sheria law expertise, to afgahistan, uzebikistan, sharigistan, pakistan, yemenstan and somalistan and the likes....
Ey Safari,
When Parties were named where is Adhalaath... Are they F**king Saints..???
Adhalath is nothing but but hungry (Alcohol and drugs selling) goons who use religion as a tool to forward their political agenda..
Else they wont be following the Chief Adulterer Mahloof...
Adhaalath - Mercenaries...
I was skeptical at first, but then they replaced one of my damaged eyes with a brand new one with a bunch of handy features.
Happy Ahmed Aliased is happy. 😀
Islamic Foundation seems dominating the nation in all forms. See their website: www.islamicfoundationofthemaldives.org
yeah...i agree with u 'safari' we need to tell our ppl just to keep away from these politicians! our ppl are wasting their own time to talk abt these grps.they are dangerous and destroying our culture!!
People like brother Majeed Baari, Shaheem Ali Saeed, many in the DRP like Umar Naseer, and the likes that did the hatred gatherings all have one common thread that weaves them together. They are all proponents of the Death Penalty. They all have the same morbid fascination with Torture,(ask Umar) Gore, Guts, Blood and Be-headings. Tks.
Arab-Israeli conflict is a sensitive issue here. The Maldivian public (overwhelmingly) sides with the Palestinians.
" their opposition to the NGO was not anti-Semitic or targeted directly at Jews"
Right. More lies from the mouth of the esteemed 'Sheikh'.
This very article is full of the openly anti-Semitic words employed by the Wahhabis who continue to labor under the delusion that they're the only 'true Muslims'.
Shaheem's political hate speech was not made in the privacy of his bed room that he can deny it, it was a broadcast Friday sermon made in a public capacity.
We all heard it. We saw the placards and banners they carried. I have talked to them in person - and there is no doubt about it that they've been simply taught to hate Jews. Not Israeli government, not Israeli policies.. but Jews.
Given this, I politely disagree with Shaheem's hate speech.
"deception, trickery, rebellion, oppression, evil and corruption” are much more applicable to the Taliban in our government, lead by Shaheem's party and allied NGOs like the Salaf.
@safari: Are you gay? You inadvertently included it in your 'evil fantasies' list.
Why do people go and see Indian doctors. Arent Indian army fighting Muslims from Kashmir? Arent children being killed there as well? And if an American or British team comes people will happily go consult them as well, but they are also fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Are Palestinians the only Muslims in this world.
Its about time people woke up and saw those socalled religious wars for what they really are. Fighting for power, land and resources. The issue of religion, Jews vs Muslims, Hindus Vs Muslims, they are all window dressing to garner popular support.
Let Arabs fight their own battles. We have our problems like rise of extremism, unemployment, inflation etc, etc. More than politicians, we should be wary of these bearded guys.
Zionism Rules...
Soon there'll be a Satanist church established in Maldives... Hahahahaaa
I'll say Palestine is not our problem, that's theirs. They did it by them selves just for couple of pennies n why should we bother.its true they are our Muslim brothers but what can we do about it, we are a nation of less than 400000.their (brothers) the Arabs must act first before us, they are economically and population wise much more greater than us.why not Egypt, Jordan and the mighty Saudi's react.I think once they act, all Muslims communities will be with them, although that's their responsibility to protect their brothers. Diplomacy is the only option for us to help Palestine. If we are to boycott Israeli products or help then i say we should stop drinking water which we produce tons everyday with the help advance osmosis.
i want to tell UMAR;; if Israel wants to strike Arab country why the hell they use our airspace, they don't need any countries airspace to strike any country in the region.did you ever check Google earth, its very easy to find, just download it from Google.com and search where Israel is and where the other Arab countries are. you don't need dharubaaruge 25 maalam or any conference hall for that.
So basically the MDC is saying the protest and opposition of about 20 thousand citizens have not stopped DMC from doing what they wanted to do. Rule of the people?!!!
@Asim
Not rule of the people. Tyranny of the anti-semitic idiots. Good job DMC
Yameen the makaana head , please try to get some specifics before you poke your reeking nose to increase hatred among the Maldivians … we all know zionism is racism.I… t promotes the superiority of the Jewish race above all others...to call yourselves "Gods chosen people" is the height of elitism.
The Bible (KJ version) has 62 authors and only one was a gentile, Luke.
Google u-tube there are even Jewish Rabi's calling Zionism racism..
Note: UN resolution 3379 was adopted in 1975 to declare Zionism as a form of racism based on several other preceding international resolutions declaring Israel, South Africa and Zimbabwe as apartheid regimes and making analogy between those regimes. In the case of Israel, there are multiple laws that discriminate against its Arab citizens. As for Palestinians who have been living under Israeli military occupation for the last 43 years, Israel pretty much treats them as sub-humans. ..
We eat drink, think, live and dream politics. We are like chickens layng its first egg. We are muslims but yet we practice the dirtiest politics. Poor "US" the common people who are forced to listen rubbish day and night on the roads and through media. No wonder people do watch "STAR" programs.I feel sorry for the young announcers who read all those awful disrepectful reports. I suppose this is "growing pains" of democracy.
@real: what you said really was powerful... WOW... so true
I find it hilarious that a Maldivian can utter lines like these:
"Israel pretty much treats them as sub-humans. .."
Yeah? And how does the Maldivians treat its non-Muslims?
Israel treats its minorities far, far better than the Maldives. Dhivehin have no moral right to speak of this, or any perceived discrimination anywhere in the world. Not with the present constitution in force 😉
Firstly in reply to safari;
"The real terrorist are the Gay’s, Alcohol drinkers, child abusers, women beaters, fornicators, adultrators and..."
Gays, being gay doesn't hurt anyone and terrorism in is defined in relation to physical, psychological or some form of suffering. Being gay does not do that.
Child abusers, well...forcing children to wear face veil because they incite carnal desires in men. This is to say that those who claim that children should be veiled do feel these desires? [And what age was Aishath when the prophet married her?] Includes suffering so can be linked with terrorism.
Women Beaters, the sheiks have debates about how the woman/wife should be beaten. This involves suffering so included in terrorism.
Fornicators,( maybe aka 'adultrators?'), if its consensual then theres no suffering (otherwise its called rape) so not included in terrorism.
So according to your very misguided school of thought, logic it seems to state that the prophet Mohamed and his followers aka Muslims are the terrorists. Damn! who saw that coming?.
Secondly minivan news is one of the few place where people can share their thoughts freely. Some people fear and despise that sort of thing, so they hate this website. But there are those of us who are glad that there is something like Minivan News and thank full for it greatly. Thank you.
Thirdly, violence, intimidation and fear are the tools of extremists. Its clear that the wahhabees of the Maldives are such. Proof;
1. "Maldivians who had not “been too scared” to travel for a consultation"
2. "claimed to have been assaulted after trying to take a relative for an operation"
3. "an assault on a relative of one patient arriving at a hospital for an operation with the NGO."
4. "and they even tried to attack one person."
We need to end this extremist from breeding anymore hate amongst the beautiful peaceful Maldivians.
We are beautiful people, don't be afraid to show it.
No More Hate Mongers.
No More Wahhabees.
No More Fagodi Shops, (seriously, what the hell is that s@#t)
@THE PIN - HEAD
"Yameen the makaana head , please try to get some specifics before you poke your reeking nose to increase hatred among the Maldivians"
Pin-Head suits you as a name. Here is why.
You say "increase" hatred? My friend, hatred and intolerance is already deeply rooted in your Haabee kind. One need not do ANYTHING to increase it. It's already there to the maximum possible level.
Take a look at how you look at anyone who does not accept your backward ideology? You people, do not accept them as fellow human beings, rather something vile and impure.
Take a look at how your celebrated 'prophet' Shaheem preach intolerance at Friday sermon? THAT's hatred.
Yet you have the audacity to accuse others of spreading hatred? My dear GOD!
“[Brian Haw] is just one man sleeping in a tent protesting, yet he is not a Muslim,” Shaheem said.
Hard to imagine a one-man Muslim protest for some reason.
Looks like we all are trying to promote our beliefs and thoughts, and in a political way mainly.
So let's make use of the one item we're supposed to, our brain, and independently. After all we're supposed to do that. Otherwise Allah would have simply decided who goes where.
I'm sure there are people on all sides and parties who are quite responsible and successful professionally and/or financially.
"we all know zionism is racism.I… t promotes the superiority of the Jewish race above all others…to call yourselves “Gods chosen people” is the height of elitism."
Yeah? What about Islamism?
Half the problems in the world result from people who cannot criticize themselves the way they so willingly criticize others for.
As a Maldivian, I have very little to no concern about zionists. But I have to deal with Islamists everyday, and they're hurting my country.
Nice to see that you can understand racism, now apply it to the very forces you're defending and you'll be doing good.
@mulla umar AND maakana yameen
We evolved from apes/monkeys.. as a result we tend behave like monkeys .. is there any problem with that …???
jamiyyathusalaf: a bunch of hoodlums trying to hijack Islamic Ministry.
I think minivan is paid by Israel to promote zionism ....
what ever the terrorist Shahid says the truth is that more people dislikes this goverment & they are not going to give vote for the MDp candidates ... even though Anni says "Rayyithunge verikan" I think he really dont belive the power of the "rayyithun"
NOW The islanders says to MDP candidates go & ask the Zionists fo votes
Anni & his assistants has spoiled the image of MDP
= As Muslims, we have one basic principle; if one of us is hurt, we all are. Similarly, if Palestinian people suffer, so do we,” he said=
Really. Before we suffer for Muslims in another part of the World, can we suffer for our children and women and our youth on drugs, innocent people who are victims of a bad judiciary, victims of the influential etc etc etc etc. Solidarity - where and for whom if we cannot show it in our own families and for our friends, our neighbors and solidarity between people in the islands. I can go on and on and on
Only one word - HYPOCRITES and in the name of Islam - ignorant Mob lead by power hungry politicians
I am sorry if Maldivians are so mislead but they are responsible. Too bad for those influenced and could not have the much needed treatment but we make our own beds, so they will continue to suffer until, God Willing, they get another chance.....
Abdulla Shahid has labelled himself as a pro-israeli just as others in maldivian politics has. People should remember these names and tell each others families of these names so that they can stay away from people like this. We should try our best to not associate ourselves directly with persons who support Israel until Palestinians have their freedom. May God punish anyone, even if they are from my family, for any support they give to the Zionist state of Israel. Muslims are not stupid these days, except for minority of those who seeks the pleasure of the non-believers over the pleasure of God. It is better for a Muslim to stay silent and carry on with his life, than to talk in support of Israel or against Islam.
Did you not read or hear about Jews that support us Muslims in the fight against Israeli oppression. So again, pls try your best to educate yourself on world and middle eastern history before embarrasing yourselves - big time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2anlyhlNM9I
A child is ignorant until he is educated to think of something from a different persons point of view as well as education on various subjects he or she wishes to speak about. Just like that some of minivan news comments are from people who have not matured to this level yet, but seem to think that they can convince others differently. May Allah (swt) guide them before they leave this world. Allah (swt) is the best in guidance.
From the Quran, God's word to the Prophet (pbuh):
"You [Prophet] cannot guide everyone you love to the truth; it is God who guides whoever He will: He knows best those who will follow guidance."
http://readquranonline.org/rqo/index/view/s/28/a/56
So it is not our job to suck up to anyone and degrade Islam in order to try and get people to love Islam.
We are supposed to practise Islam and be good Muslims according to the Quran and Hadith. It is Allah(swt) who will guide whom He wills, when He wills, how He wills, where He wills and only if He wills.
@ THE PIN
"We evolved from apes/monkeys.. as a result we tend behave like monkeys .. is there any problem with that …???"
No, no problem with that..
Just wondering whether your mother looks like an Gorilla or a Baboon??
Or is it a mix up.. ??
A little history on how the West broke Islam into pieces and created a new face of democracy to hide their true nature.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_k2aX-9j6H8&feature=player_embedded
@Muad MZ
It was Maumoon govt that that had established the diplomatic relations with Israel. And there is nothing wrong in having relations with Israel. All Arab countries have ties with them. So why not us? They are best in technology, R&D, disaster management etc.
@ Z-nut
"They are best in technology, R&D, disaster management etc."
Best in land grabbing, too!
@ Mullah yaamyn
"As a Maldivian, I have very little to no concern about zionists. But I have to deal with Islamists everyday, and they’re hurting my country."
You have no concern about Zionists because they are like a tumour and you don't know you re suffering from a disease!
Do a diagnosis before it's too late!
@ Mullah yaamyn
"Yeah? What about Islamism?"
You are mistaken my silly friend!
Islam is the only religion which guarantees that even a Muslim can go to Hell if they chose the wrong path!
So how can Islam mean racism?
Your religion teaches you there is neither Hell nor Heaven. Everything is this life we are living on Earth? There is no life after death?
@ fagodi
"Secondly minivan news is one of the few place where people can share their thoughts freely."
Yeah? Then better change their name to some other more suitable name. I never read NEWS on this site. I always see some excuse to attract islam-haters comments.
First for "INDEPENDENT NEWS IN MALDIVES"? Where on earth do we read news here?
Wait till we frame this anti-Islamic site.
They are clearly violating our CONSTITUTION.
@ Mullah yaamyn
"Dhivehin have no moral right to speak of this"
And you have moral rights to violate our CONSTITUTION with your gay bunch, rainbow here and rainbow there?
You will never achieve your gay freedom target even though you conduct a hundred sit-togethers, with a bunch of homosexuals who are hell bent to turn Maldives into a another Sodom!
@ Ahmed Anony (Hillath's shadow)
"I was skeptical at first, but then they replaced one of my damaged eyes with a brand new one"
Why didn't you get your damaged mind replaced?
@ Naan
"i want to tell UMAR;; if Israel wants to strike Arab country why the hell they use our airspace, they don’t need any countries airspace to strike any country in the region.did you ever check Google earth, its very easy to find, just download it from Google.com and search where Israel is and where the other Arab countries are. you don’t need dharubaaruge 25 maalam or any conference hall for that."
Are you Israel's defence minister? Why are you hiding your nukes? Declare them at the IAEA, now.
@ Mullah yaamyn
"Half the problems in the world result from people who cannot criticize themselves the way they so willingly criticize others for."
No deary!
Half the world's problem is because of you god forsaken s*d*m*t*s!
i just don't get it i am sorry.