Palestine

April 5, 2001
Ambassador to Canada
Embassy of Israel
Fax: 613-237-8865

Dear Ambassador,

WE REQUEST YOUR INTERVENTION

Mennonite Church Canada has received word from our human rights observers in the southern West Bank of the demolition of 15 homes there between April 2 and 4. Of particular concern are the four homes demolished in the Baqa'a valley east of Hebron on April 4. These were the homes of ordinary Palestinian citizens who pose no threat to 'security interests' or 'military targets.' We wish to express our concern to you of the violation of the 4^th Geneva Convention, the obligation to observe International Law to which Israel was a signatory, and seek your assistance in obtaining an explanation for this action from Israeli authorities.

We are also aware that, during the week of March 28, 2001, dozens of demolition orders have been issued by Jerusalem Municipality of Palestinian homes, and the Israeli Civil Administration action to do the same for the West Bank and Gaza. We are aware of the expansion of settlements by Israel in the Occupied Territories, and the government's intention to build a new city in the Etzion Bloc (Giva'ot) with 6,000 housing units in the first stage. We are aware that hundreds of acres of farm and horticultural land - with centuries-old and well-cultivated olive groves, are being cleared for massive "bypass roads" - the most recent near Turkumiya, close to Hebron.

The Israeli Occupation Forces action to add several hundred more soldiers and heavier tanks into the Avraham Avinu Hebron settlement in the past six days speaks only further of an intent of a reign of massive intimidation, terror, and illegal submission by an effectively worn-down Palestinian civilian population.

As part of an international community, the 35,000 members of Mennonite Church Canada view these actions with deep sadness and concern. Our concern is for a way of peace which is created from mutual respect and cooperation. We do not condone the use of violence by any government, authority, or action by individual gunmen or civilians. We believe that the use of violence and force only perpetuates more of the same.

At a time such as this of extreme volatility, one action of violence - a sniper bullet and the tragic killing of a ten-month-old child - will breed even more violence. We pray that, at such a time as this, you, and others who are in places of governing authority may be courageous to engage in a much-needed action for peace.

Sincerely and prayerfully yours,