Help stop Hebron demolitions -- request from Rabbis for Human Rights On the 15th of November a terrible attack took place as Israeli settlers were on their way back from Sabbath eve worship at the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron. Eleven soldiers and security personnel were killed. Two more soldiers were killed there last night . The Jewish settlement in Hebron is exploiting this bloodshed to put into action long standing plans to build a promenade between Kiryat Arba and the Cave of Machpelah. At least 15 Palestinian homes have been given demolition orders. THIS IS NOT EVEN A MATTER OF SECURITY. The promenade is not being built where the attacks took place. Those homes have already been demolished (as well as 5 homes near the site of last nights attack.) None of the homes are new or built without permits. In fact there are many old homes of historic value. Even the original architect of the promenade wanted to preserve some of these homes. Many of them are standing empty and falling into disrepair because the residents have been intimidated and harassed by the settlers who go back and forth along this route. Privately, a number of army officers have confided to the attorney Shlomo Lecker (Representing the families, the Hebron Municipality and the Hebron Preservation Society) that this is about politics, not security. However, none as of yet are willing to endanger their positions by stating this for the record. The real point here is to grab additional land, create territorial contiguity between Kiryat Arba and the Jewish settlement in Hebron and cantonize Palestinian neighborhoods . Destroying these homes and further cantonizing Hebron will not bring back those who were killed. It will sow more hatred and anger. It clearly violates the Jewish principle that people should only be punished for their own sins.

PLEASE FAX SHARON AND MOFAZ NOW (NUMBERS AT END OF EMAIL)

Shlomo Lecker's petition, as well as a second appeal by Israeli's, will be heard on December 18th. Please do your part by writing polite but clear letters to the list appearing below, with a copy to us. ( I nappropriate letters hurt our cause.) Letters can make a difference. Faxes are more effective than emails.

On a personal note (and I think I speak for David Forman as well) I want to thank everybody who helped make my recent trip such a success. As with all of my trips since the outbreak of the second intifada, I embarked with some apprehension as to how our message would be received, and returned strengthened and uplifted. My faith in the Jewish People was strengthened when in mainstream synagogue after synagogue , federations, etc., so many people responded with their Jewish neshama (soul) and matzpun (conscience) (and often their pocketbooks as well). I came back secure in the knowledge that the Jewish values I grew up with are alive and well.

The message is not always one we want to hear. Perhaps it is even more difficult to hear about the internal Israeli economic justice issues than the Palestinian issues which can be put in the context of the ongoing conflict. However, I think that the majority of you were able to sense the positive message that working for an Israel which lives up to our highest Jewish and human values is being "pro-Israel" in the truest sense possible.

My final night before returning home was the second night of Khannukah. I accepted a last minute invitation to speak at Khannukah gathering at the home of a family who had joined us in Israel on Tu B'Shvat for "A Time to Plant." We lit the candles and concluded by singing "Od yavo shalom aleinu v'al kulam " - "Peace will yet come to us and to all." I boarded the plane with that Khannukah light in my neshama and saying to myself, "We can count on our fellow Jews." (And all of the other wonderful people I met along the way.) I also felt a sense of responsibility and shleikut to bring to fruition those fervent hopes and prayers of "Od yavo shlom aleinu." That light was still with me and giving me strength when on the sixth night of Khannukah we gathered to light the candles in front of the Prime Minister's residence to "Banish the darkness of poverty."

For those of you who I couldn't see on this trip, you will receive further updates on our activities when you receive our 2002 newsletter in January. In the meantime, I hope that you will remember us in your end of the year giving. We will continue to do our best to be worthy emissaries - using your light to light some light here.

B'Vrakha, Rabbi Arik W. Ascherman Executive Director

Rabbis For Human Rights
Tel. 972 2 563-7731
Fax. 972 2 566-2815
Mobile 972 50607034
info@rhr.israel.net
Website: rhr.israel.net