Bethlehem Update
Rapprochement Centre, 31 Mar 2002
From: Rapprochement Centre
Bethlehem Update
A sad Easter in Bethlehem. The whole town is being crucified.
Beit Jala is already occupied. Tanks are all over the place. Israeli Snipers
are on top of all high buildings that over look every street and corner
of Bethlehem, Beit Sahour, and refugee camps. The smell of death and destruction
is stronger each minute. People are worried, Scared, and defenseless.
People are working to be organized to minimize the
suffering when the worse comes. People are not worried about being re-occupied.
They are already. People are worried about how many innocent lives would
it take for Sharon to be satisfied.
Yesterday, the international solidarity groups decided
to share the same destiny of Palestinian civilians especially inside refugee
camps. They shared with people their little homes, their worries, and their
hopes. The group of 100 people from all over Europe, the United Sates and
Canada decide to be at the forefront. Decided to be in the refugee camps,
which might be the first place the Israeli tanks will move to from Beit
Jala.
Yesterday the group accompanied with some Palestinians
marched towards the Israeli tanks in Beit Jala. They wanted Israeli soldiers
to know that Palestinians do not stand-alone. The wanted them to know that
there are people who care. And that regardless if they think they have
a green or a yellow light from the American government, they have to stop
their aggression and atrocities against civilians. The message was clear:
"when you decide to move in, you have to face us first"
Internationals are joining the local emergency preparations.
Some will be available to accompany ambulances when needed. Others will
be communicating with people all over the world to create more awareness.
All will be shielding Palestinian civilians with their bodies.
Today, the group will join a demonstration in Beit
Sahour. Will protest with Palestinians against the planned and executed
massacres.
We know that we do not stand-alone. Some people
decided to challenge this conspiracy of silence, to fight with Palestinians
for peace and justice.
Let us all salute the peace makers.
For more information
Ghassan 052595319
PCR 2772018
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The Palestinian Centre for Rapprochement between People
64 Star Street, P.O.Box 24
Beit Sahour - Palestine
www.rapprochement.org