[Peace-discuss] Fwd: [GushShalom] ISM Office Invaded, more info + what you can do

[Alfred Kagan]

>From: "Gush Shalom (Israeli Peace Bloc)" <info at gush-shalom.org>
>Subject: [GushShalom] ISM Office Invaded, more info + what you can do
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>Date: Fri, 9 May 2003 18:14:18 +0200
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>GUSH SHALOM - pob 3322, Tel-Aviv 61033 - http://www.gush-shalom.org/
>
>International release
>
>[NB: sample protest letter in the end.}
>
>You may have seen the short, immediate message.
>We now can tell you that the ISM (International Solidarity Movement) 
>and Raprochement offices in Beit Sahour were raided today. 
>
>Three women were taken into custody. Two internationals were 
>arrested,  both apparently American (one is Flo, the communications
>coordinator).  A Palestinian was questioned, and then released;  The 
>2:00 and 3:00 PM radio news reported that the internationals were
>illegally here, but the ISM office confutes that.  In addition to 
>the arrests, 5 computers and 3 lap tops were confiscated. 
>
>This is a step further in the governmentís and militaryís war on 
>human rights groups, particularly those who aim to help the 
>nonviolent
>struggle of Palestinians against the occupation. It follows the 
>killing of Rachel Corrie, and the shooting and seriously wounding of 
>Tom
>Hurndall - still in coma - and Brian Avery, shot in the face, and 
>invalidated for life.
>International human shielders are apparently losing their special 
>status and treated no better than Palestinians.
>
>At present, legal aid is being sought to try to release the women 
>and to recoup the computers. 
>
>
>----------------------------------------------------------
>Date: Thu, 08 May 2003 20:51:22 +0200
>From: ISM Media Alerts <ism-alert at palsolidarity.org>
>Subject: [EMEM] New Israeli military declaration targets ISM [Singling out
>
>
>ISRAELI MILITARY INTENSIFIES ASSAULT
>ON INTERNATIONAL PEACE WORKERS
>
>SINGLING OUT INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY MOVEMENT
>
>As of Thursday, May 8, 2003, humanitarian organizations
>working within the Gaza Strip, Occupied Palestine began
>receiving a new declaration created by the Israeli
>military.  This document (included below) demands
>signature of all international groups working within the
>Gaza Strip and any internationals attempting to enter the
>Gaza Strip.  In addition to stipulations of not holding the
>Israeli Government responsible for the death of
>internationals, the declaration specifically states that the
>individual signing can have no connection to the
>International Solidarity Movement (ISM). 
>[
>http://www.palsolidarity.org
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/palsolidarity
>]
>
>The ISM, a Palestinian led non-violent group which
>attempts to provide protection to the Palestinian people
>and to enable them to non-violently resist the Israeli
>military occupation of Palestine, has recently come
>under attack from the Israeli Government and Army. 
>This attack, including the targeting of ISM volunteers that
>left one dead, one comatose and one severely injured,
>and now this new declaration, are all aimed at
>discrediting and inhibiting the peace work of the ISM.
>
>=====================
>
>COPY OF DECLARATION:
>
>
>Israeli Defense Forces
>
>Form to be filled out and submitted to IDF authorities
>prior to entry to the Gaza Strip
>
>First name      Family name
>Nationality
>Passport number
>Home address
>Address in Gaza
>Purpose of visit in detail
>Duration of visit
>Organization arranging visit
>
>Conditions of Entry into the Gaza Strip
>
>Foreign nationals entering the Gaza Strip, please note
>that the IDF is committed to ensuring the safety of
>civilians not engaged in hostilities. However, in the
>current circumstances, the IDF cannot guarantee the
>personal safety of foreign nationals visiting the area.
>Although the IDF cannot accept responsibility for death,
>injury or damage/loss of property incurred as a result
>of military activity, foreign nationals visiting the area
>are subject to the following conditions whose purpose
>is to minimize the risks involved:
>
>1. The Military Installation Area along the border with
>Egypt is IDF administered territory and is strictly out of
>bounds to foreign nationals. Please note that this area
>has been the site of intense hostilities and is extremely
>dangerous.
>
>2. Interference or obstruction of Israeli security personnel
>in the performance of their duties is a criminal offence.
>
>3. The areas adjacent to the Perimeter Fence,
>Israeli Settlements, Lateral Roads serving Israeli civilians
>and IDF positions are Closed Military Zones
>and are strictly out of bounds to all persons.
>
>4. Foreign nationals are strongly advised to stay well
>clear of military activity.
>
>
>Declaration
>
>I declare that the details provided above are true and
>correct and that I have read the above conditions and
>agree to abide by the fully. I am aware that my failure
>to do so may lead to my arrest and/ or expulsion from
>the Gaza Strip and/or from the territory of the State of
>Israel. I am aware of the risks involved and accept that
>the Government of the State of Israel and its organs
>cannot be held responsible for death, injury and/or
>damage/loss of property which may be incurred as a
>result of military activity. I also undertake not to disrupt
>IDF operations in any way and declare that I have no
>association with the organization known as ISM
>(International Solidarity Movement) nor any other
>organization whose aim is to disrupt IDF operations.
>
>Signed                                        Date
>
>
>============
>Flo
>
>ISM Media Coordinator
>Beit Sahour, Occupied Palestine
>ism-alert at palsolidarity.org
>[ ism-alert AT palsolidarity.org ]
>972 -2-277-4602
>+972-67-361-708
>+972-67-862-439
>
>Send your protest
>
>To:
>Minister of Interior, Avraham Poraz <sar at moin.gov.il>
>CC to:
>Foreign Minister Silwan Shalom <sar at mofa.gov.il>
>UN Secretary General Kofi Annan ecu at un.org,
>"Secretary od State,  Colin Powell" <secretary at state.gov>,
>"Mr. Romano Prodi" <romano.prodi at cec.eu.int>,
>"Mr. Terje Rod Larsen Personal Representative of the Secretary 
>General to the United Nations in Pal
>estine" <unsco at palnet.com>
>Politician/press of your choice
>
>
>[sample text - in case you need it]
>
>Dear Mr Poraz
>
>In the short period since becoming Israel's Interior Minister you 
>have aalready gained the name of
>being far more beral than your
>predecessors. We therefore dare to hope that you will not cooperate 
>with the campaign against the i
>nternational peace and human
>rights activists, and specifically that you will not issue 
>deportation orders against the two ISM a
>ctivists who were arrested while
>inside the Rapprochement Office in Beit Sahour.
>The ISM is an organization which is helping Palestinians in a 
>creative, courageous and purely non-v
>iolent way.
>By doing so, they help prevent violence. Their removal can only make 
>things worse.
>
>Yours sincerely
>...............
>
>
>
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-- 


Al Kagan
African Studies Bibliographer and Professor of Library Administration
Africana Unit, Room 328
University of Illinois Library
1408 W. Gregory Drive
Urbana, IL 61801, USA

tel. 217-333-6519
fax. 217-333-2214
e-mail. akagan at uiuc.edu