[Prishtina-E] Info: Anti-Muslim/Anti-Albanian Symbols in MBA!

[Ramis Ahmetaj]

To all members:

I don't usually participate in the discussions of this list.  I tend to use 
it as an information source, enabling me to understand member thoughts, a 
group I believe to be a pretty good predictor of what young, educated 
Albanians in general are thinking about.   Unfortunately, sometimes I come 
across discussion such as the one regarding Divac and the NBA.  And, 
frankly, I find it disturbing.

It is disturbing, because it was blown way out of proportion.  I think Mr. 
Blumi was very clear in his follow-up, explaining that the letter was meant 
to arouse the interest of faith based (in this case Muslim) organizations in 
the United States, against the public flashing of religious symbols, 
utilized to promote genocide.

I am convinced that Mr. Blumi is not attempting to transform the conflict in 
Kosova, into a religious struggle between Albanians of different faiths.  It 
is crazy to even think something like that.  He is simply attempting to 
reach out to groups with whom Albanians have mutual interests.  In this case 
they happen to be Muslims.  And, I can't help but think, if Mr. Blumi's 
letter was written to get the attention of Vatican would we have made such a 
big deal?!!!!

With respect,

Ramis Ahmetaj



>From: "marta gazideda" <marta_gazideda at hotmail.com>
>Reply-To: prishtina-e at alb-net.com
>To: ngapeja at rocketmail.com
>CC: prishtina-e at alb-net.com, alb-muslimusa at egroups.com,   
>alb-muslimstudents at egroups.com, alb-muslimnews at egroups.com,   
>tetova-l at alb-net.comcair1@ix.netcom.com, cair at cair-net.org,   
>newyork at cair-net.org
>Subject: Re: [Prishtina-E] Info: Anti-Muslim/Anti-Albanian Symbols in MBA!
>Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2001 17:08:35
>
>             --- Prishtina-E Discussion Forum ---
>        Archives: www.alb-net.com/pipermail/prishtina-e
>
>
>
>
>Dear Mr. Blumi,
>
>I assume you are addressing this message to "Albanians" regardless of their
>religious beliefs. If my assumption is correct (as it seems to be) I would
>have expected you to start the letter with a "mire dita", "pershendetje",
>"t'u ngate jeta" or similar.
>
>I neither understand nor speak Arabic, as neither do other Albanians, with
>exception of those who are studying Arabic Language and Muslim religion.
>
>I believe that if one is addressing a national concern, that concern needs
>to be put forward in such a way that everyone understands its importance 
>and
>is willing to help to resolve the problem. What I can read from your e-mail
>though, unfortunately, it seems that the problem of Divac saluting with a
>"3" is only affecting Albanians of Muslim religion! Shall I exclude myself
>from "your" group and ignore the problem? Obviously it is not affecting me,
>an Albanian!
>
>I am perplexed with your quote: "My trouble is that this is a perfect
>example of how incapable we Muslims are in organizing to protect our
>interests.  How can the abuse of these symbols of hate against Muslim be
>permitted to continue?"
>
>I though that the plight of Albanians in Kosove was a direct result of 
>their
>nationality. Please correct me if I am mistaken. If, however, you are
>referring to the war in ex-YU that you should forgo the Kosovar Albanian
>your opening line "I am a Muslim Kosovar Albanian, an...".
>
>Also, remember that the war in ex-YU began in Slovenia, a catholic country.
>Its beginning and subsequent spread was due to the nationalist greed of
>Serbia's leadership and not some crusade to save Orthodoxism (serbs are
>orthodox and not Catholics).
>
>I was brought up as an Albanian. Neither a catholic nor a Muslim (not
>forgetting Jew or orthodox). Tolerant of all other religions and believes
>and accepting new ideas if I though they were beneficial to my nation.
>
>Faith/belief (in your case muslimanism) is separate from your national
>identity - Shqipetar i Kosoves. Nationality is something that you are born
>and bred into whereas religion something that one chooses.
>
>I was allowed the freedom to choose the religion I felt most comfortable
>with.
>
>My choice - to be Albanian.
>
>
>Yours sincerely
>
>Marta K. Gazideda
>
>
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