Fwd: AFSI'S LETTER TO ISRAELI MINISTERS AND THE ISRAELI EMBASSY RE: 3 MEN EXPELLED FROM YITZHAR

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What a fantastic letter from Helen Freedman of Afsi a real Jewish Heroine in her own right! 

Dear Activist List,

Please note that I sent  this letter to Jewish newspapers in USA and CC'd to Israeli Ministers. Perhaps if they get multiple  letters they will get the message that people are not happy with lack of due process in the Israeli "democracy".

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: afsi <afsi@rcn.com>
Date: Thu, Oct 15, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Subject: AFSI'S LETTER TO ISRAELI MINISTERS AND THE ISRAELI EMBASSY RE: 3 MEN EXPELLED FROM YITZHAR
To: AFSI <afsi@rcn.com>

1751 Second Ave, New York, NY 10128

Tel: 212-828-2424; Fax: 212-828-1717; afsi@rcn.com; www.afsi.org

Contact: Helen Freedman, Executive Director

October 15, 2009

 

Gentlemen,

          We are appalled to learn that AKIVA HACOHEN, ARIEL GRUNER and ELIAV ELIYAHU, all residents of Yitzhar, have been given orders, signed by Maj-Gen Gadi Shamni, expelling them from their homes for a minimum of six months. Each young man has a wife, children, or is expecting a child, and earns his living working in the community.

          Shockingly, there were no specific charges to the expulsion orders and the only explanation given was that the men "are a danger for the public order." Is this the thought police in action? What danger is expected? Why are these young men singled out for what is thought their intentions might be? Doesn't this sound more like it is happening in Orwell's 1984 than in democratic Israel? Where are the instruments of justice?

          In addition to these intolerable expulsion orders is the fact that during the period of forced expulsion there are no provisions made to compensate the expellees for the cost of an apartment, the move which must take place in a few days time, and for the loss of their income from employment. How cruel and inhumane can a government order be? Even prisoners are given more consideration. This is outrageous.

          As Americans who are very aware and concerned about events in Israel, and who spend a great deal of time and energy working to ensure a safe Israel, we plead with those in charge to cancel the expulsion orders against Akiva, Ariel and Eliav.  

          Please contact us at afsi@rcn.com or 212-828-2424 to inform us of positive action in this urgent matter.

Thank you

Helen Freedman