Please find below links to the OCHA Situation Report Nablus
IDF incursion into Nablus 28 February – 10:00 am (covering 25 – 28 February)
At approximately 02:30 on 28 February, a large force of IDF soldiers and Israeli Border Police re-entered Nablus. This latest incursion marks the continuation of Operation ‘’Hot Winter,’ the largest military incursion in three years in Nablus city. Since re-entering Nablus in the early hours of this morning, as was the case with the first incursion, the IDF has placed the Old City and its surroundings under curfew. The IDF has again taken over the facilities of local television and radio stations to announce the names of seven wanted Palestinians they are specifically seeking.
See these links for details -
Report: http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/OCHA_Nablus_situation_report_feb_07.pdf
Map: http://www.ochaopt.org/documents/26Feb07_Nablus_SituationMap.pdf
United Nations Office for theCoordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
Mac House P.O.Box 38712
Jerusalem
Tel:++ 972-2-5829962/5853
Fax:++972-2-5825841
email: ochaopt@un.orgwww.ochaopt.org
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Palestinian bishop urges non-violence to tackle injustice
Here's some news I discovered on the Ekklesia news service.
Palestinian bishop urges non-violence to tackle injustice -16/02/07
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_070216younan.shtml
Middle East Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan has urged Palestinians to "use brains, sanity, dialogue and non-violence and not arms to deal with differences".
Speaking at a conference called by non-governmental organizations and other agencies, Younan encouraged "democratic, non-violent strategies as the only way to achieve Palestinian goals of an end to the 40-year military occupation and the creation of an independent, viable state living side by side with Israel".
The conference began with speeches by the Islamic Chief Judge in territories under the Palestinian Authority, Sheikh Tamimi and Younan, who heads the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
Bishop Younan told the group that recent infighting between Palestinians "is a sin and a shame on our people" and urged politicians and other leaders to listen to both those who agree with them, to the silent majority and to the voice of the opposition.
This, he said, was the only way to develop a "peaceful, non-violent strategy for justice and to build a common vision of a modern, civil, democratic society". He also urged the victims of the fighting to forgive and not to allow hatred and vengeance to overcome them.
Meanwhile, in Geneva, the general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Rev Ishmael Noko, welcomed the 8 February agreement for a Palestinian unity government by Hamas and Fatah groups. Bishop Younan is a vice-president of the LWF.
In a statement on 14 February 2007, Noko commended the parties' flexibility in reaching "this essential compromise". He stressed that the Palestinian unity government to be established under the agreement "must be committed, in practice as well as in theory, to the realisation of a two-State solution to the longstanding crisis in the Middle East".
Its main and immediate priority "must be to pursue resumption of genuine negotiations with the State of Israel for the achievement of this end." Noko noted the essential role of the region's religious communities in ensuring the agreement's implementation with strong interfaith encouragement and support.
The Lutheran World Federation general secretary reminded the international community of its urgent responsibility to support the signed agreement, saying it has the task "to sustain hope in the Holy Land, for the sake of both Palestinians and Israelis, and indeed for the sake of the whole world"
With acknowledgments to Ecumenical News International (ENI) - www.eni.ch
Palestinian bishop urges non-violence to tackle injustice -16/02/07
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_070216younan.shtml
Middle East Lutheran Bishop Munib Younan has urged Palestinians to "use brains, sanity, dialogue and non-violence and not arms to deal with differences".
Speaking at a conference called by non-governmental organizations and other agencies, Younan encouraged "democratic, non-violent strategies as the only way to achieve Palestinian goals of an end to the 40-year military occupation and the creation of an independent, viable state living side by side with Israel".
The conference began with speeches by the Islamic Chief Judge in territories under the Palestinian Authority, Sheikh Tamimi and Younan, who heads the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land.
Bishop Younan told the group that recent infighting between Palestinians "is a sin and a shame on our people" and urged politicians and other leaders to listen to both those who agree with them, to the silent majority and to the voice of the opposition.
This, he said, was the only way to develop a "peaceful, non-violent strategy for justice and to build a common vision of a modern, civil, democratic society". He also urged the victims of the fighting to forgive and not to allow hatred and vengeance to overcome them.
Meanwhile, in Geneva, the general secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), the Rev Ishmael Noko, welcomed the 8 February agreement for a Palestinian unity government by Hamas and Fatah groups. Bishop Younan is a vice-president of the LWF.
In a statement on 14 February 2007, Noko commended the parties' flexibility in reaching "this essential compromise". He stressed that the Palestinian unity government to be established under the agreement "must be committed, in practice as well as in theory, to the realisation of a two-State solution to the longstanding crisis in the Middle East".
Its main and immediate priority "must be to pursue resumption of genuine negotiations with the State of Israel for the achievement of this end." Noko noted the essential role of the region's religious communities in ensuring the agreement's implementation with strong interfaith encouragement and support.
The Lutheran World Federation general secretary reminded the international community of its urgent responsibility to support the signed agreement, saying it has the task "to sustain hope in the Holy Land, for the sake of both Palestinians and Israelis, and indeed for the sake of the whole world"
With acknowledgments to Ecumenical News International (ENI) - www.eni.ch
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
LWF General Secretary Welcomes Agreement for Palestinian Unity Government
LWF General Secretary Urges Palestinian Parties' Commitment to Resolving Middle East Crisis
Noko Welcomes Agreement for Palestinian Unity Government
LWI news online: www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html
GENEVA, 14 February 2007 (LWI) * The General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko has welcomed the 8 February agreement for a Palestinian unity government by the Hamas and Fatah political parties. In a statement issued today, he expresses the hope that this accord would also provide for a more secure basis to resume peace negotiations and dialogue with the State of Israel.
The agreement brokered by the Saudi authorities was signed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia by Mr Khaled Meshal of Hamas, which won the January 2006 Palestinian elections, and Mr Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority (PA) president and leader of Fatah, the former ruling party. The accord is also aimed at ending violence between both parties and an international boycott.
Noko commends the parties' flexibility in reaching "this essential compromise" and stresses that the Palestinian unity government to be established under the agreement "must be committed, in practice as well as in theory, to the realization of a two-State solution to the longstanding crisis in the Middle East." Its main and immediate priority "must be to pursue resumption of genuine negotiations with the State of Israel for the achievement of this end." He highlights the essential role of the region's religious communities in ensuring the agreement's implementation with strong interfaith encouragement and support.
The LWF general secretary reminds the international community of its urgent responsibility to support the signed agreement, saying it has the task "to sustain hope in the Holy Land, for the sake of both Palestinians and Israelis, and indeed for the sake of the whole world."
Noko notes that although the called-for benchmarks for this agreement may not have been attained "to the satisfaction of all," the alternative would be "more chaos, more bloodshed, and even less hope for the future." He calls for reconsideration of the "wisdom of economic blockades imposed on the Palestinian Authority," and urges neighboring states "to take a constructive role in ensuring that a healthier atmosphere is created for renewed dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis."
The full text of Dr Noko'’s statement follows:
Statement by the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation on the Palestinian unity government agreement
I welcome the achievement in Mecca on Thursday 8 February 2007 of an agreement for a Palestinian unity government. This agreement will, I pray, bring to an end the inter-factional violence and bloodshed that has made the intolerable situation in the occupied Palestinian territories even more desperate. It will also - or it should be permitted to - provide a more secure basis for a resumption of dialogue and negotiations with the State of Israel for a permanent peace with justice.
I commend the Saudi authorities for the role they have taken in brokering this agreement. I encourage them to continue to maintain the stake they have built in the search for peace in the Middle East.
I commend the parties to the agreement for their perseverance and flexibility in reaching this essential compromise. The world has listened to the commitments the parties have made to each other, and looks for their full implementation in the spirit of the agreement. The religious communities of the region will have an essential role to play in ensuring the agreement is implemented with strong interfaith encouragement and support.
The Palestinian unity government established under the terms of this agreement is a government that must be committed, in practice as well as in theory, to the realization of a two-State solution to the longstanding crisis in the Middle East. Its chief and immediate priority must be to pursue resumption of genuine negotiations with the State of Israel for the achievement of this end. The world as a whole cannot be at peace unless and until a just peace can be achieved in the land that the three great monotheistic religions call holy.
The international community has now the urgent responsibility to support the agreement that has been achieved. Though the called-for 'benchmarks' may not have been attained to the satisfaction of all, the alternative to this agreement is more chaos, more bloodshed, and even less hope for the future. The wisdom of the economic blockades that have been imposed on the Palestinian Authority must therefore now be reconsidered. I also call on the neighboring states of the region to take a constructive role in ensuring that a healthier atmosphere is created for renewed dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis.
It must be the task of the international community as a whole to sustain hope in the Holy Land, for the sake of both Palestinians and Israelis, and indeed for the sake of the whole world.
Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko
General Secretary
The Lutheran World Federation
Geneva, 14 February 2007
(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF currently has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the world, with a total membership of 66.2 million. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.)
LWI news online: www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html
LUTHERAN WORLD INFORMATION
P. O. Box 2100
CH-1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Noko Welcomes Agreement for Palestinian Unity Government
LWI news online: www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html
GENEVA, 14 February 2007 (LWI) * The General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko has welcomed the 8 February agreement for a Palestinian unity government by the Hamas and Fatah political parties. In a statement issued today, he expresses the hope that this accord would also provide for a more secure basis to resume peace negotiations and dialogue with the State of Israel.
The agreement brokered by the Saudi authorities was signed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia by Mr Khaled Meshal of Hamas, which won the January 2006 Palestinian elections, and Mr Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority (PA) president and leader of Fatah, the former ruling party. The accord is also aimed at ending violence between both parties and an international boycott.
Noko commends the parties' flexibility in reaching "this essential compromise" and stresses that the Palestinian unity government to be established under the agreement "must be committed, in practice as well as in theory, to the realization of a two-State solution to the longstanding crisis in the Middle East." Its main and immediate priority "must be to pursue resumption of genuine negotiations with the State of Israel for the achievement of this end." He highlights the essential role of the region's religious communities in ensuring the agreement's implementation with strong interfaith encouragement and support.
The LWF general secretary reminds the international community of its urgent responsibility to support the signed agreement, saying it has the task "to sustain hope in the Holy Land, for the sake of both Palestinians and Israelis, and indeed for the sake of the whole world."
Noko notes that although the called-for benchmarks for this agreement may not have been attained "to the satisfaction of all," the alternative would be "more chaos, more bloodshed, and even less hope for the future." He calls for reconsideration of the "wisdom of economic blockades imposed on the Palestinian Authority," and urges neighboring states "to take a constructive role in ensuring that a healthier atmosphere is created for renewed dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis."
The full text of Dr Noko'’s statement follows:
Statement by the General Secretary of the Lutheran World Federation on the Palestinian unity government agreement
I welcome the achievement in Mecca on Thursday 8 February 2007 of an agreement for a Palestinian unity government. This agreement will, I pray, bring to an end the inter-factional violence and bloodshed that has made the intolerable situation in the occupied Palestinian territories even more desperate. It will also - or it should be permitted to - provide a more secure basis for a resumption of dialogue and negotiations with the State of Israel for a permanent peace with justice.
I commend the Saudi authorities for the role they have taken in brokering this agreement. I encourage them to continue to maintain the stake they have built in the search for peace in the Middle East.
I commend the parties to the agreement for their perseverance and flexibility in reaching this essential compromise. The world has listened to the commitments the parties have made to each other, and looks for their full implementation in the spirit of the agreement. The religious communities of the region will have an essential role to play in ensuring the agreement is implemented with strong interfaith encouragement and support.
The Palestinian unity government established under the terms of this agreement is a government that must be committed, in practice as well as in theory, to the realization of a two-State solution to the longstanding crisis in the Middle East. Its chief and immediate priority must be to pursue resumption of genuine negotiations with the State of Israel for the achievement of this end. The world as a whole cannot be at peace unless and until a just peace can be achieved in the land that the three great monotheistic religions call holy.
The international community has now the urgent responsibility to support the agreement that has been achieved. Though the called-for 'benchmarks' may not have been attained to the satisfaction of all, the alternative to this agreement is more chaos, more bloodshed, and even less hope for the future. The wisdom of the economic blockades that have been imposed on the Palestinian Authority must therefore now be reconsidered. I also call on the neighboring states of the region to take a constructive role in ensuring that a healthier atmosphere is created for renewed dialogue between Palestinians and Israelis.
It must be the task of the international community as a whole to sustain hope in the Holy Land, for the sake of both Palestinians and Israelis, and indeed for the sake of the whole world.
Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko
General Secretary
The Lutheran World Federation
Geneva, 14 February 2007
(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund, Sweden, the LWF currently has 140 member churches in 78 countries all over the world, with a total membership of 66.2 million. The LWF acts on behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as ecumenical and interfaith relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.)
LWI news online: www.lutheranworld.org/News/Welcome.EN.html
LUTHERAN WORLD INFORMATION
P. O. Box 2100
CH-1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Monday, February 12, 2007
Jewish-Christian Difficulties in Challenging Christian Zionism
Jewish-Christian Difficulties in Challenging Christian Zionism
Lutheran Pastor Robert O. Smith writes for JewsOnFirst -
http://www.jewsonfirst.org/07a/robert_smith.html
"In our post-Holocaust era, many Jews have identified with the State of Israel as their last line of defense should the community again come under the threat of eradication. Most Christians, especially in North America, are unable to begin fathoming this possibility. Their communities simply have not been under such a threat," writes Rev. Robert O. Smith in this essay. Introducing the essay, Rabbi Haim Dov Beliak notes that "Smith is cautioning Christians that, no matter how well intentioned their theology, there is a complexity that must be acknowledged and they must be patient in building their post-Holocaust relationship with Jews." Here is the link: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?key=280388251&url_num=45&url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/christian_zionists.php%23smith
JewsOnFirst supports and networks with people resisting the Christian right's efforts to impose religious rule in the public and our private lives. The "First" in our name comes from the start of the Fiirst Amendment to the Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." Jews, in particular, have relied on those few words as the enduring bulwark of our freedom, security and privacy here in the United States We encourage you to send us accounts of your work defending the First Amendment for posting on our website. Our email address is catcher@jewsonfirst.org.
If you missed it, here is another of JewsOnFirst's recent features:
We are intimately attached to nature and each other, a commentary for Tu b'Shevat, the Jewish Arbor Day, by Rabbi Haim Dov Beliak of JewsOnFirst. "Mystics, who taught spiritual matters by analogy, imagined that tree roots are a hint of unseen worlds symbolizing our unseen connectedness," he writes. Over the last four decades, as environmental threats mounted, "the message of Tu b'Shevat has expanded from planting trees at homes and synagogues, and ordering tree certificates for Israel, to a major focus for rallying to repair the fragile little space ship, the Earth." Click here http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?key=280388251&url_num=48&url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/07a/beliak_arbor_day.html
Visit JewsOnFirst - http://www.jewsonfirst.org/
Jews on First
P.O. Box 33821
Washington DC 20033
Jews responding to the Christian right -because if Jews don't speak out, they'll think we don't mind.
Lutheran Pastor Robert O. Smith writes for JewsOnFirst -
http://www.jewsonfirst.org/07a/robert_smith.html
"In our post-Holocaust era, many Jews have identified with the State of Israel as their last line of defense should the community again come under the threat of eradication. Most Christians, especially in North America, are unable to begin fathoming this possibility. Their communities simply have not been under such a threat," writes Rev. Robert O. Smith in this essay. Introducing the essay, Rabbi Haim Dov Beliak notes that "Smith is cautioning Christians that, no matter how well intentioned their theology, there is a complexity that must be acknowledged and they must be patient in building their post-Holocaust relationship with Jews." Here is the link: http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?key=280388251&url_num=45&url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/christian_zionists.php%23smith
JewsOnFirst supports and networks with people resisting the Christian right's efforts to impose religious rule in the public and our private lives. The "First" in our name comes from the start of the Fiirst Amendment to the Constitution: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..." Jews, in particular, have relied on those few words as the enduring bulwark of our freedom, security and privacy here in the United States We encourage you to send us accounts of your work defending the First Amendment for posting on our website. Our email address is catcher@jewsonfirst.org.
If you missed it, here is another of JewsOnFirst's recent features:
We are intimately attached to nature and each other, a commentary for Tu b'Shevat, the Jewish Arbor Day, by Rabbi Haim Dov Beliak of JewsOnFirst. "Mystics, who taught spiritual matters by analogy, imagined that tree roots are a hint of unseen worlds symbolizing our unseen connectedness," he writes. Over the last four decades, as environmental threats mounted, "the message of Tu b'Shevat has expanded from planting trees at homes and synagogues, and ordering tree certificates for Israel, to a major focus for rallying to repair the fragile little space ship, the Earth." Click here http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?key=280388251&url_num=48&url=http://www.jewsonfirst.org/07a/beliak_arbor_day.html
Visit JewsOnFirst - http://www.jewsonfirst.org/
Jews on First
P.O. Box 33821
Washington DC 20033
Jews responding to the Christian right -because if Jews don't speak out, they'll think we don't mind.
CMEP Appeals for U.S. to Stop Israel's Temple Mount Excavations
Feb. 9, 2007
CMEP Appeals for U.S. to Stop Israel's Temple Mount Excavations
More information and resources for advocacy at www.cmep.org
Today, Churches for Middle East Peace appealed to Assistant Secretary David Welch to convince Israel to halt evacuations near the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif in the Old City of Jerusalem. Signed by CMEP's board chair Maureen Shea and CMEP's executive director Corinne Whitlatch, the letter raises concerns about the outbreak of violent protests in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and globally. Recalling the aftermath of Ariel Sharon's "visit" to the Muslim hilltop compound in 2000 that sparked a Palestinian uprising, the letter noted that earlier today, 10,000 people protested in Nazareth.
The letter urges Assistant Secretary Welch to strongly assert the official policy of the United States that the status of Jerusalem must be determined by negotiations and that neither party should take actions that would prejudice the outcome of negotiations.
On Tuesday Israel began building a walkway up to the compound, on which sits the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosque, that is believed by Jews to be above remains of two biblical temples and believed by Muslims to be the site where Mohammed ascended to heaven.
The CMEP letter, additionally, addresses recent positive steps - Secretary Rice meeting on February 19 with Abbas and Olmert and news reports of the emergence of a Palestinian power-sharing government. "The United States could provide a strong signal of the rewards of taking steps toward peace by resuming financial assistance to a new unity government."
But, warn the letterwriters, "these important steps toward peacemaking may be overwhelmed by the consequences . of Israel's actions in the Old City of Jerusalem."
A press release was also issued.
The full letter follows and can be read at www.cmep.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 9, 2007
C. David Welch
Assistant Secretary of State
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Fax: 736-4462
Dear Assistant Secretary Welch,
Churches for Middle East Peace urgently appeals to you and Secretary Rice to convince the government of Israel to halt excavations near the Temple Mount/Harem al-Sharif. The quickly escalating violent response to Ariel Sharon's visit to the compound in 2000 demonstrated the sensitivity of actions affecting the compound. Unless Israel quickly stops the excavation work, and the planned construction, we fear that violent protests will break out in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza and far beyond. Today's protests by 10,000 people in Nazareth exemplifies the combustive nature of actions that appear to violate the sanctity of this profoundly holy site. Perhaps, with appropriate consultation with Wafq authorities who maintain the Harem al-Sharif, and with their cooperation, construction necessary for safe access could be resumed.
The long-held policy of the United States that the status of Jerusalem must be determined by a negotiated agreement and that neither party should take actions that would prejudge the outcome of negotiations must be strongly asserted by US officials.
The news of Secretary Rice's meeting on February 19 with Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas is encouraging to all who seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict with two viable and secure states living side-by-side. Additionally, reports of an emerging Palestinian unity government increase hope that intra-Palestinian violence will subside and that preparations can be made for negotiations with Israel. The United States could provide a strong signal of the rewards of taking steps toward peace by resuming financial assistance to a new unity government.
But instead, these important steps toward peacemaking may be overwhelmed by the consequences - widespread public protests and angry objections of moderate Arab allies - of Israel's actions in the Old City of Jerusalem.
A delegation from Churches for Middle East Peace visited Jerusalem and the Haram al-Sharif last year. We were again reminded of just how significant this site is to our Muslims brothers and sisters and therefore feel even more acutely for them at this time. We appreciate your attention to our concerns and recommendations.
Sincerely, Maureen Shea
Chair of Board
Corinne Whitlatch
Executive Director
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Friars OFM (English Speaking Conference, JPIC Council), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church (GBCS & GBGM).
Contributions to CMEP are tax deductible and can be made by check or online (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=i6w85qbab.0.qyu55qbab.o96l7nbab.35&ts=S0229&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cmep.org) by secure, on-line credit card service.
CMEP Appeals for U.S. to Stop Israel's Temple Mount Excavations
More information and resources for advocacy at www.cmep.org
Today, Churches for Middle East Peace appealed to Assistant Secretary David Welch to convince Israel to halt evacuations near the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif in the Old City of Jerusalem. Signed by CMEP's board chair Maureen Shea and CMEP's executive director Corinne Whitlatch, the letter raises concerns about the outbreak of violent protests in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and globally. Recalling the aftermath of Ariel Sharon's "visit" to the Muslim hilltop compound in 2000 that sparked a Palestinian uprising, the letter noted that earlier today, 10,000 people protested in Nazareth.
The letter urges Assistant Secretary Welch to strongly assert the official policy of the United States that the status of Jerusalem must be determined by negotiations and that neither party should take actions that would prejudice the outcome of negotiations.
On Tuesday Israel began building a walkway up to the compound, on which sits the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa mosque, that is believed by Jews to be above remains of two biblical temples and believed by Muslims to be the site where Mohammed ascended to heaven.
The CMEP letter, additionally, addresses recent positive steps - Secretary Rice meeting on February 19 with Abbas and Olmert and news reports of the emergence of a Palestinian power-sharing government. "The United States could provide a strong signal of the rewards of taking steps toward peace by resuming financial assistance to a new unity government."
But, warn the letterwriters, "these important steps toward peacemaking may be overwhelmed by the consequences . of Israel's actions in the Old City of Jerusalem."
A press release was also issued.
The full letter follows and can be read at www.cmep.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
February 9, 2007
C. David Welch
Assistant Secretary of State
Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs
U.S. Department of State
Fax: 736-4462
Dear Assistant Secretary Welch,
Churches for Middle East Peace urgently appeals to you and Secretary Rice to convince the government of Israel to halt excavations near the Temple Mount/Harem al-Sharif. The quickly escalating violent response to Ariel Sharon's visit to the compound in 2000 demonstrated the sensitivity of actions affecting the compound. Unless Israel quickly stops the excavation work, and the planned construction, we fear that violent protests will break out in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza and far beyond. Today's protests by 10,000 people in Nazareth exemplifies the combustive nature of actions that appear to violate the sanctity of this profoundly holy site. Perhaps, with appropriate consultation with Wafq authorities who maintain the Harem al-Sharif, and with their cooperation, construction necessary for safe access could be resumed.
The long-held policy of the United States that the status of Jerusalem must be determined by a negotiated agreement and that neither party should take actions that would prejudge the outcome of negotiations must be strongly asserted by US officials.
The news of Secretary Rice's meeting on February 19 with Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas is encouraging to all who seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict with two viable and secure states living side-by-side. Additionally, reports of an emerging Palestinian unity government increase hope that intra-Palestinian violence will subside and that preparations can be made for negotiations with Israel. The United States could provide a strong signal of the rewards of taking steps toward peace by resuming financial assistance to a new unity government.
But instead, these important steps toward peacemaking may be overwhelmed by the consequences - widespread public protests and angry objections of moderate Arab allies - of Israel's actions in the Old City of Jerusalem.
A delegation from Churches for Middle East Peace visited Jerusalem and the Haram al-Sharif last year. We were again reminded of just how significant this site is to our Muslims brothers and sisters and therefore feel even more acutely for them at this time. We appreciate your attention to our concerns and recommendations.
Sincerely, Maureen Shea
Chair of Board
Corinne Whitlatch
Executive Director
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Formed in 1984, Churches for Middle East Peace is a Washington-based program of the Alliance of Baptists, American Friends Service Committee, Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Armenian Orthodox Church, Catholic Conference of Major Superiors of Men's Institutes, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Church of the Brethren, Church World Service, Episcopal Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Franciscan Friars OFM (English Speaking Conference, JPIC Council), Friends Committee on National Legislation, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Maryknoll Missioners, Mennonite Central Committee, National Council of Churches, Presbyterian Church (USA), Reformed Church in America, Unitarian Universalist Association, United Church of Christ, and the United Methodist Church (GBCS & GBGM).
Contributions to CMEP are tax deductible and can be made by check or online (http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=i6w85qbab.0.qyu55qbab.o96l7nbab.35&ts=S0229&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cmep.org) by secure, on-line credit card service.
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