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EYEWITNESS FROM JERUSALEM |
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A WEEKLY JOURNAL WRITTEN BY SISTER MARY |
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EYEWITNESS FROM JERUSALEM |
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A WEEKLY JOURNAL WRITTEN BY SISTER MARY |
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Jerusalem Journal # 15 April 21, 2001 |
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This
Eastertide has seen a resumption of the shelling of the Bethlehem area and in
this wave of bombardment, the Israeli Defense Force is using stronger types of
shells, targeting the support columns and beams of civilian homes - a profound
violation of human rights. Because so many homes in this hilly terrain are
built right into the terraced hillside, the support columns are often open to
view. Shelling the columns causes the collapse of a home. Now
more than 160 homes have been shelled and families continue to be displaced. 215
families have now been directly affected from the Israeli shelling since
September, 2000. The
distinct impression is being given that through bombing or demolition, you have
no home to live in, therefore, you will leave. If you survive with your house,
you will still be caged in by Israeli roadblocks, and not be allowed to get to
your place of employment and thus have no money to feed your family. This is the
experience of both Christian and Muslim Palestinians whose land the
democratic government of Israel lusts after. Yet,
during this liturgical season, Holy Mother church gives us Jesus' message of
"Peace" to reflect upon. Here, in his homeland, it is Israeli
women who are moving forward in the direction of peace. Here in Jerusalem,
the site of his encouraging message of peace to his disciples, Israeli
women have organized to monitor the Israeli Defense Force roadblocks,
intervening in cases of urgent medical relief and reporting verbal or physical
violence towards Palestinians. They call themselves the Roadblock Watch. Another
group of Israeli women who are also recruiting new members, are defending
Palestinian civilians against the policy of home demolitions by the Israeli
Government - another violation of human rights. These Israeli women actually
stay in the Palestinian homes that are slated for demolition. They spend
the night with the families and will not remain silent nor let the Palestinians
be alone to face the brutal affects of Israeli occupation. None
of us can make peace happen, but we can keep peace alive and let it take root in
our own hearts on both sides of this conflict. |
