protesting house demolition & the indefinite prison terms of CO
December 13, 2002

Protest
[] Gush Shalom: No to senseless punishment for those with a conscience
P.S. In the plans: banned Jenin, Jenin film to be shown to Gush Shalom audiences
[] Sat.14: Rebuilding the Shawamreh family home (ICAHD)
[] Sat. Dec. 14, solidarity with Prisoners of Conscience, demo 12.00 at Prison-6 Atlith
P.S. Another solidarity vigil Monday, Tel-Aviv
[] Peace Now focuses on Hebron house demolitions
[] Campaigning to prevent deportation, Thursday in the TA court.
[] Thurs. Dec.19, at 8:00 p.m., Zavta Tel Aviv, Yesh Gvul support evening refuseniks
[] Jewish-Arab peace walk in the Shfaram area 19-21 Dec.

Article
[] A renowned Ha'aretz military commentator: "This is not the way"
[] Gush Shalom: No to senseless punishment for those with a conscience
P.S. In the plans: banned Jenin, Jenin film to be shown to Gush Shalom audiences

------- Forwarded message follows -------
From: "Uri Avnery"
[Gush Shalom ad in Ha'aretz, Friday, Dec. 13.]

WHEN THE ARMY IS AFRAID

Lately, the army command has decided on a new policy on soldiers who refuse to serve in the occupied territories.

Until now, refusers were sent to prison for no more than 90 days. Now, they are sentenced again and again. After serving one sentence, they are sentenced to another one. In practice, this is an endless prison term.

It is unwarranted cruelty.

The refusers deserve respect. Even those who oppose their principles must respect their courage and moral integrity. Every nation should be proud of such sons.

In a democratic society, no person should be compelled to act against his conscience. He should be offered the alternative of a civilian service.

Is the army command afraid of an impending wave of refusal?

Gush Shalom

NB: If you like to see such views in the paper, please help us with donations to publish ads.P.O.Box 3322, Tel-Aviv 61033, Phone 972-3-5221732. http://www.gush-shalom.org

P.S. In the plans: banned Jenin, Jenin film to be shown to Gush Shalom audiences

At the decision to ban the film Jenin, Jenin in which well-known actor Muhammad Bakri speaks with Jenin inabitants after the devastation of "Operation Defensive Wall" Gush Shalom decided to organize special showings for invited audiences. (The censorship can only forbid commercial showings.) More details will follow.

[] Sat.14: Rebuilding the Shawamreh family home (ICAHD)
------- Forwarded message follows -------
From: Fred Schlomka
The Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions - ICAHD

Join ICAHD to rebuild the Shawamreh family home in East Jerusalem during the day then join us with Peace Now to demonstrate against House Demolitions in the evening.

The rebuilding:
WHEN: Saturday, December 14th
WHERE: Anata, East Jerusalem
ACTION:
On Saturday we will once again join Salim Shawamreh to continue rebuilding his home in Anata, which has been demolished 3 times. Come and demonstrate your solidarity through Constructive Resistance to the Occupation. Work alongside our Palestinian partners and colleagues. We will be rebuilding in defiance of a 'Stop Work' order from the Civil Administration. Salim is currently being investigated by the police and will be issued a court date soon.

TRANSPORTATION:

* Transportation from JERUSALEM will leave from the parking lot of Gan HaPa'amon (Liberty Bell Park), next to the gas station, at 9:00 AM.

* Transportation from TEL AVIV will leave at 9:00 AM from the Northern Train Station.

If you are in Jerusalem contact fred@icahd.org to let us know you are coming or call Fred Schlomka - 056-875-893

If you are coming from Tel Aviv call Michal Wiener 03-605-2650

[] Sat. Dec. 14, solidarity with Prisoners of Conscience, demo 12.00 at Prison-6 Atlith
P.S. Another solidarity vigil Monday, Tel-Aviv
------- Forwarded message follows -------
From: "Claudia Cala Levin"
[Here follows summary; text was only sent in Hebrew]

Tomorrow, Sat. "Kvisa Schora" ("Black Laundry" - homosexuals and lesbians for peace) demonstrate solidarity with Prisoners of Conscience Dec. 14, 12.00 opposite Prison-6 Atlith

P.S. Another solidarity vigil Monday, Tel-Aviv, by the "COs Support Forum"
When: 4.00 pm.,
Where: Tel-Aviv Defence Ministry.
Contact: Nir Nader 050-736867

[] Peace Now focuses on Hebron house demolitions
----- Original Message ----- From: Shiri Iram
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2002 7:19 PM
Subject: Peace Now Jerusalem - Saturday December 14th

Sharon is carrying on his plan of "taking advantage of the opportunity" created by defense forces killed in Hebron, to establish a territorial contiguity between Kiryat Arba and Hebron.

This is the opportunity that Sharon and the settler's government have been waiting for.

The execution of the plan involves demolishing of many houses owend by local Palestinians, thus making those poeple refugees with their hometown. 22 such demolition orders have already been published.

IT IS A TERRIBLE CRIME AND WE WANT TO PROTEST AGAINST IT!

Come to protest with us this Saturday - 14.12.02 at 20:00 - in front of the Prime Minister's residence with a call:

Stop the Occupation that has transformed us into a Nation of Slaughtered and Slaughterers! Join us at the vigil, where Dror Etkes, Peace Now's settlement research coordinator, will further describe the process of settling

Hebron and its meanings. Also this Saturday - Dr. Patch Adams and his team, that are now in Israel, will appear in our rally. Dr. Patch Adams believes in the power of therapy through humor. The aim of his visit is helping in the cure of Israeli and Palestinian children. He wants also to deliver a message of Peace and he will do it as our guest.

Peace Now daily protest vigils in front of the PM residence continue

Join us in our efforts!

We need your help in handing out fliers throughout the city and in enlisting all efforts in the cause of the struggle for peace. If you can help, please call Shiri : 02-5660648 or 054-687539 or send an e-mail to shiri@peacenow.org.il

Please note the attached file - an invitation to a discussion regarding the Israeli Peace Camp, this Sunday.

Peace Now activities throughout the country this weekend:
Tel Aviv: no more vigils until the elections
Kfar Saba: 20:00 Vigil: Weizman Street, in front of Kanyon Arim. A booth for discussion and distribution of printed material: "How do we stop the bloodshed? Come and talk. Details: Mary 054-638399
Beer Sheva: 19:30 Vigil: Kanyon Big Details; Yael: 052-719000
Haifa: 17:30-20:00 Vigil, Mercaz HaCarmel, Details: Noa 054-556052
North: Discussion and printed material distribution tent in Agmon (Near Hula Nature Reserve). Times 12:00-17:00. Details: Nava Shay 067-768402.

As changes might occur due to whether constraints, please confirm the details.

FRIDAY's Junctions: On Friday afternoon, activists will stand at intersections throughout the country. For details, contact Noa 054-556052, or check out web site http://www.peacenow.org.il

- Petitioning for the right to demonstrate in Hebron

Last Tuesday Peace Now submitted the police a request to legally demonstrate in Hebron. Our request was denied. On Sunday, December 15, the Supreme Court for Justice("BAGATS") will discuss Peace Now's appeal regarding our right to demonstrate in Hebron before the house demolitions due to take place in the near future. So far, there are clear indications that we might win this appeal and therefore will be able to demonstrate soon. That might also be a good service for us and for other organizations as a principal decision.

We call upon anyone who can attend this session, to come to the Supreme Court Building on Sunday, at 11:15hrs. Our presence there could serve our case.

Another e-mail with further details regarding the demonstration will be sent to you during the next few days.

[] Campaigning to prevent deportation, Thursday in the TA court.
------- Forwarded message follows -------
From: "Shamai Leibowitz"
Re: The Transfer of Mr. Abu Id

Slowly, but surely, Israeli authorities are deporting Palestinians out of the West Bank. The following is a short summary of case pending in the Tel Aviv District Court.

Mr. Abu Id, married with children, was born in the village Bido near Ramallah. In 1970, When Abu Id was a baby, his father was illegally deported to Jordan. In 1995 his father was let back into Israel, and allowed to return with his children to Bido. Mr. Abu Id returned with his father to Bido, married, and received a Palestinian ID.

On June 12, 2002 he was caught working inside the green line without a work permit. He committed no other crime, but that was enough for Israeli authorities arrest him indefinitely.

The police did not indict him, but turned him over to the Ministry of Interior for the purpose of deporting him to Jordan. There is no palpable reason for deporting him other than confiscating his property and land.

In order to facilitate his deportation, he has been incarcerated without trial for 6 (six) months. He has not seen his wife nor his children. Through attorney Leah Zemel, he filed a petition in the Tel Aviv District Court, and the judge, Ms. Michal Rubinstein, will give her decision on December 19 at 13:00.

What: Deportation hearing
Place: Tel Aviv District Court, 1 Weissman St. , Courtroom of Judge Rubinstein
Date: Thursday, Dec. 19, 13:00

If you are outraged by Israeli authorities conduct,you can help by either coming to the trial itself or contributing to posting bail for his release.

If the judge will decide to release him on bail, he will not have enough money to post bail. We are starting to collect money for the bail, and any sum will be appreciated. The money will be deposited in the District Court, and will remain there until he gets permission from the Israeli authorities to remain in the Occupied Territories.

You will get a receipt for any amount you contribute, and you will be continually updated as to his status.

For further details:
Attorney Shamai Leibowitz, Tel: 972-3-6704170 Fax: 972-3-6704173

[] Thurs. Dec.19, at 8:00 p.m., Zavta Tel Aviv, Yesh Gvul support evening refuseniks

------- Forwarded message follows -------
From: "peretz kidron"

Dear friend,

The following young Israelis are currently in jail for refusal to enlist in the army of occupation, and are being subjected to repeat sentences in a bid to break their spirits:

Yonathan Ben Artzi, 6th sentence, total of 161 days’ jail;
Uri Yaakovi - 6th sentence, total: 133 days
Dror Boimel - 5th sentence, total: 119 days
Yoni Yehezkiel – 4th sentence, 98 days
Haggai Mattar – 3rd sentence, 84 days
Mattan Kaminer – 1st sentence, 28 days;
Noam Bahat – 1st sentence, 28 days;
Hillel Goral – 1st sentence, 28 days;

The following reservists are currently in jail for refusing to serve in the occupied territories:

Ido Harari – 2nd time, 28 days;
Hen Alon – 21 days;
M.G. – 21 days;
Eshel Herzog – 28 days;
Dror Luzatti – 18 days;
Uri Rotloi – 21 days;
Itzik Shabbat – 28 days;

SINCE THE ONSET OF THE PRESENT INTIFADA, 190 YOUNG ISRAELIS HAVE BEEN JAILED FOR REFUSING TO TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN OF REPRESSION AGAINST THE PALESTINIAN PEOPLE

Thurs. Dec. 19, at 8:00 p.m., Zavta Tel Aviv (30, Ibn Gvirol)

Yesh Gvul and the High School Seniors (“Shministim”) join in an evening of solidarity with the refuseniks.

THE PRIVILEGE OF SAYING “NO !”

Speakers:
Israel Prize laureate Shulamit Aloni
Mattanya Ben Artzi, father of Yonathan;
Israel Prize laureate Meir Wizeltir
Israel Prize laureate Nathan Zach
Anat Mattar, mother of Haggai
Israel Prize laureate Yirmiyahu Yoval
Israel Prize laureate Dan Meron
Israel Prize laureate Hanna Meron
Israel Prize laureate Menashe Kadishman
Israel Prize laureate Aryeh Shapira

Singers:
Sharon Ben Ezer, Ofer Golany, Norman Issa and the Arab-Jewish theatre of Jaffa etc.

Please come along and demonstrate your support for the refuseniks !
Peretz Kidron * Ram Rahat

[] Jewish-Arab peace walk in the Shfaram area 19-21 Dec.
------- Forwarded message follows -------
From: Nicole Cohen-Addad

Vote with your feet for peace An invitation to a Jewish-Arab peace walk in the Shfaram area 19-21 December

We, a non-political group of Arabs and Jews invite you to participate in a Walk and joint activities as a new and unique way to restore hope and advance peace. We believe that the way to peace starts from you and me and now. We have to get out of our homes and start the change.

The “Walk” is a combination of a silent walk between Jewish and Arab communities, discussions and joint experiences. During the day we walk in single file without posters or political declarations. In the breaks and evenings we meet with local residents and discuss with them – human to human – expressing values of non-violence, mutual respect, tolerance and listening.

We organize activities, meals and a (covered) place to sleep (in sleeping bags) . You can join for the whole two days or any part of them. The walking is easy and suitable for all ages. Everyone is invited – Arabs, Jews or any other religion, Left- or Right-wingers, religious and secular, young and old, families and single people. There will be no representation of any political or other groups but all are invited as individual participants.

In the last year, a number of similar walks have taken place – from Jaffa to Jerusalem, in the Galilee and recently in Wadi Ara. These walks were much appreciated both by the participants and local residents. The walks received extensive coverage in the local and international media.

Program
Thursday 19/12 14:00 Meet at “Paz” gas station (near Egged bus 430 stop) – Shfaram South junction
15:00 Set off for walk in Shfaram and reception at town hall
17:30 Getting organised at night stop – Jabour Jabour school, Shfaram
19:30- 22:30 Evening meetings at “Eshkol Payis” hall, Shfaram Friday 20/12
09:00 Set off from Jabour Jabour school, Shfaram for walk to Harduf and Ka’abia
16:00 Getting organised at night stop – Jabour Jabour school, Shfaram
19:30- 22:30 Evening activites at “Eshkol Payis” hall, Shfaram
Saturday 21/12
10:00 – 16:00 Activities in Shfaram including dialogues, visits and games
18:30 – 20:30 End of walk ceremony in Kiryat Tivon

At the end of each walking day, car owners will be brought back to their cars to collect them. There is no defined cost for participation but participants are asked to contribute to covering costs according to your judgement and resources. The walk will have a police permit but no armed accompaniment.

Please bring warm clothes, a sleeping bag (for the overnighters), eating utensils – plates, cups and cutlery. A team of volunteers will be responsible for preparing the food and organizing the stay. If you’d like to volunteer, please contact the organizers.

[] A renowned Ha'aretz military commentator: "This is not the way"

Thursday, December 12, 2002

The wrong way to fight terrorism
By Reuven Pedatzur

The army is trapped in a fossilized way of thinking as it wages an inappropriate campaign - one that has not only brought dubious achievements, but that is heading for disaster. Nothing demonstrates it more clearly than an Israel Defense Forces unit, backed by tanks, bulldozers and assault helicopters, blundering into a crowded refugee camp for the sole purpose of arresting one wanted man and destroying his family's home.

Saturday night's IDF operation in the Al-Bureij refugee camp in the Gaza Strip predictably ran into complications and led to heavy fighting that ended with a missile once again being fired from a helicopter, killing 10 Palestinians and wounding 20. It was simply one more proof of the folly of trying to attempt to "vanquish" terror with large forces - a tactic destined for failure from the start.

This is especially true when military operations take place in the heart of heavily populated areas. That is what happened in Al-Bureij, and it is what happened in October in Khan Yunis when a large IDF force entered a heavily populated area to arrest two wanted Hamas terrorists. The two eluded arrest, but 16 Palestinians were killed and about 100 were wounded when the soldiers came under fire and their commander requested support from a helicopter. It fired a missile at a large crowd of Palestinians standing in the plaza outside the neighborhood mosque.

Wanted men do not sit at home and wait for the IDF. Thus in most operations of this sort, the only result is the death of yet more Palestinian civilians. One sometimes gets the impression that the IDF is not disturbed by the death of innocent civilians, or by the long-term effect that a policy that leads to such deaths has on support for terrorism.

The deaths of women and children during IDF operations against wanted men has become routine, to the point that not only has the army ceased to apologize for such deaths, but this week a senior officer was even quoted, in response to the civilian deaths in Al-Bureij, as saying that "a large number of casualties has deterrent value." Nothing could be either more immoral or farther from the truth.

And in this manner, teenage boys hit by IDF fire become "people of an age to be fighters," and therefore deserving of death, while known Hamas activists become legitimate targets even if they are unarmed.

No less serious is the fact that the IDF has begun to send distorted messages, creating the danger that commanders will start to believe that the fighting actually is putting an end to terror.

Thus immediately after the operation in Khan Yunis, the commander of the IDF forces in the Gaza Strip, Brigadier General Yisrael Ziv, declared that it was "definitely successful ... We knew that an operation inside a Hamas bastion would entail fighting and casualties, and our assessment was that the crowded conditions were liable to lead to the possibility of innocents being hurt as well."

Anyone who wants to understand the conceptual basis for IDF operations in the territories should peruse a slim booklet published last year under the title "Limited Wars." Written by a reserve colonel named Shmuel Nir, it has become the IDF's bible. The book is certainly an interesting attempt to define the nature of limited war against irregular forces by examining similar conflicts in other countries. The problem is that the IDF is trying to translate general theoretical principles into operational language without examining the degree of correlation between the theory and the experiences of the United States, or Britain or France, on the one hand, and the conditions relevant to the fight against Palestinian terror on the other.

Thus we are witnessing the frequent use of expressions taken from this book - but sometimes devoid of real content. Among others, senior officers speak of "fatigue," "fundamental asymmetry," "deflecting the asymmetry," "the battle over public awareness," "victory in the realm of public awareness" and "moving the battle into the realm of public awareness." Most worrying of all is that the operations in Khan Yunis and Al-Bureij are only the beginning. Chief of Staff Moshe Ya'alon has already made it clear that there will be no choice but to effect a conquest of the Gaza Strip, similar to what the IDF has done in the West Bank.

Senior officers say that "a major operation in Gaza is only a matter of time." One can assume that had Israel not concluded that such an operation would spark criticism, and perhaps worse, from the U.S., this conquest would already have happened some time ago. It must be understood that compared to invading Gaza, the many operations involving heavy casualties that the IDF has conducted there to date will seem like a stroll by the seaside. And all for the sake of achieving what?

The IDF conquered the West Bank eight months ago. Its presence there has not decreased the number of terror attacks and warnings of planned attacks, but it has significantly worsened the conflict with the Palestinian public. Curfews, numerous casualties and the wholesale destruction of houses do not vanquish terror.

And after the IDF conquers the Gaza Strip, what next? It is highly doubtful that anyone in the top ranks of the army truly believes that IDF soldiers sitting in Gaza City or Khan Yunis will put an end to terror. But the IDF is held captive by empty rhetoric, and no one is willing to stand up and shout that this rhetoric is false. To paraphrase the words of Lt. Gen. Moshe Ya'alon, perhaps it is necessary to sear the understanding into the chief of staff's consciousness that this is not the way.

TOI-Billboard replaces the Gush Shalom Billboard - forwarding alerts & articles of a variety of sources. In order to receive full coverage of Gush Shalom's actions and statements subscribe to the Gush Shalom list by sending a request to info@gush-shalom.org

Subscribe to TOI-Billboard by sending one blank mail to TOI_Billboard-subscribe@topica.com

Recently an archive of TOI-billboard messages was started at: https://www.angelfire.com/co3/alaqsaintifada/TOIarchive/index.html

President Bush has agreed that war should be the very last resort. Let's hold him and his administration to those words, by signing: