S. Africa Sanctions

A salute to Councilwoman Joan Milke Flores and Councilman Robert Farrell for sponsoring the proposal for a ballot measure calling for an amendment to the Los Angeles City Charter that would disqualify companies and individuals from bidding on city contracts if they have businessies with South Africa (Metro, June 30). A gift indeed, adding substance to the ceremonial key, from our City of Angels for Nelson Mandela to take back to his people, for it directly responds to Mandela’s agenda calling for intensifying economic sanctions.

In turn, we in America are grateful for the gift Mandela brought to us: the awakening in our conscience as he reaffirms his message calling for a continued struggle for freedom on all fronts.

Arab America’s spirit is lifted, its hope renewed, by his courageous unwavering stand by the Palestinians’ plight which he reminds us is analogous to that of South Africa. Nelson and Winnie Mandela’s visit rekindled the flame of hope for freedom until the repressive walls of occupation in both Israel and South Africa are dismantled.

Let us begin now by voting in November in favor of this measure.

FADWA EL GUINDI

Past President

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination

Committee

Los Angeles