Cornerstone Issue 65

ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 ISSUE 65, SPRING1 2013 CORNERSTONE A Publication by Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center “Let Justice Roll…” (Amos 5:24) Photo by Rich Wiles Rich by Photo

In This Issue Human Rights and Divine Rights Human Rights and Divine Rights by Naim Ateek 01 by Naim Ateek The Law Around Here Jewish religious extremist settlers have been heard to say by Gerard Horton 04 that they are not interested in human rights but in divine Disputed or Occupied? by Gerard Horton 05 rights. They are referring to certain biblical texts that they understand and interpret in an exclusive way. They believe The Hole in the Wall by Ray Dolphin 08 that God has given the whole land of Palestine exclusively to Women’s Voices 12 the Jewish people. They believe that God is the God of Jews in a special way. They also believe that the Torah mandates Glimpses of Our Activities 14 the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians, whom they regard as What is Wrong with Settlements? Canaanites and Amalekites, so that Jews can live and practice by Gerard Horton 16 their laws as demanded by God free from the defilements of gentiles. This, they believe, is their God-given mandate Which Peace and Whose Security? by Hind Khoury 20 2 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

and they practice it by encroaching on the human rights of the Palestinians so that Palestinians will pack up and leave. These settlers commit crimes on a daily basis against the Palestinians and are protected by the Israeli army. The government of Israel is unable to control or deter these settlers.

Such a claim about divine rights reflects Images © AFP/Getty an ancient concept of a tribal god with Women harvesting olives by the Wall his tribal people whose tribal land is occupied by their ancient enemies. when it results in the oppression of their human dignity reflects the dignity These settlers are not living in the others in the name of the Bible. I would of their creator. Such a theological 21st century; they have attuned their like to believe that most Israelis, as concept, when appropriated, is enough mentality to an antiquated biblical most Christians, do not entertain such to inspire many people to recognize that narrative that dates back thousands of extreme positions but unfortunately, human dignity must always be upheld years and that reflects three exclusive they comprise a silent majority. and must never be denied to any person theologies, namely, an exclusive – regardless of differing backgrounds. theology of God, of a people of God, In this issue of Cornerstone we would This concept is, therefore, rooted in and of land. like to touch on some issues that relate the theology of God as creator. God to international law and human rights as creator has created all people equal Obviously, these settlers keep and how they relate to the conflict and has endowed them with life and a hammering down these exclusive claims over Palestine. My responsibility is to common humanity. We are not giving a that can neither stand nor be considered introduce this issue from a Sabeel faith- scientific perspective about the mystery in a modern court of law; but as far as based perspective. and the complexity of the universe these extremists are concerned (and this and the way it came into being; we are includes the right-wing government of A theological perspective talking about a pragmatic faith that Israel), they do not care what human- gives people meaning here and now. made laws and courts say since they are It is important to begin by saying that only answerable to higher divine laws. when the Universal Declaration of Therefore, we believe that one of the This convoluted thinking is also shared Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted best ways to describe God is as a loving by millions of Christian Zionists in by the UN General Assembly on father/mother who loves all people different places around the world. December 10, 1948, it was motivated equally. As Christians, we can add that by the terrible atrocities committed we have come to know God’s love more Such arguments are acceptable to all during WW2 and the terrible effects clearly in and through Jesus Christ, who those Jews and Christians who believe of colonialism on indigenous people. lived fully as a human being. Through in a literalist reading of the Bible where Undoubtedly, some of those who were his teachings, lifestyle, and relationship every word is divinely inspired and inspired to produce the UDHR were with others, he has become a model for therefore, divinely ordained. They are influenced by the ethical values of a life lived in its fullness. Even through not willing to apply any critical thinking Christian faith. his suffering, death, and resurrection, or utilize the most basic elements of he has become a paradigm for all those logic or even common sense. For many One of the theological bases is the who take a courageous stand for truth of us this is an absurd and warped way religious concept that human beings and just-living. During his life, Jesus of dealing with Scripture especially are created in the image of God and emphasized the love of neighbor and ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 3

directly confronted the racism of the faith perspective, the UN has taken that Add.1). For the Palestinians and many people of the day. Our concern for role. Its ethical foundations are rooted people in the world who care about human rights and human dignity stems in religion and its laws are articulated justice and peace in Palestine, the report from our Jesus paradigm – the way he and adopted in a universal way so that was a breath of fresh air because it was loved and cared for others, especially they can apply to all people. Due to clear enough and courageous enough the most vulnerable. From our faith the human propensity to exploit others, to address the violations of the Israeli perspective, the UDHR, the Geneva human rights had to be enshrined Government. However, from the point Conventions, as well as various UN through international laws so that they of view of the oppressed, this was yet conventions are nothing less than the could become binding on all humans another wonderful report (added to many elaboration and amplification of the and governments. At times we see that like it) that on the one hand was a sign biblical dictum of the love of neighbor even when constitutions exist, some of hope for the oppressed that there were as Jesus Christ has emphasized. people find loopholes to exploit others. still people who spoke the truth without This is why it is important to stay succumbing to the pressure of powerful Moreover, when the UN uses words vigilant in order to ensure that human oppressors; and on the other hand, it was like “inalienable rights,” it means that rights are respected and exercised. the disappointment that comes from the these rights are inherent, absolute, lack of a mechanism of enforcement that and indisputable, and every human United Nations, Israel, render these reports practically worthless. being is entitled to them. From a faith & enforcement When such things are repeated time perspective, therefore, they are God- and again, they cause the oppressed to given, fundamental or natural rights; What has always amazed me is that when lose hope in the institution that stands they are ours by virtue of being human the UDHR was adopted in December behind these reports. and cannot be given or taken away. 1948, it was signed by Israel. This was These rights are often said to include: done despite the fact that hundreds of In summary, I would like to emphasize the right to life; to liberty and freedom thousands of Palestinian refugees had two connected points: It is mandatory of speech; to self-determination; and to by then been displaced by Israel and that the UN find better ways to the pursuit of happiness. had their human rights violated. The execute, enforce and implement all its greater impact at the time, however, human rights conventions. Secondly, Thankfully, the UN has enshrined was the holocaust. Clearly, the human when more people and governments various human rights conventions in tragedy of the Palestinians did not yet around the world begin to use these international law in order to protect have any impact. international human rights conventions the weak from falling prey to dictators, as the basis on which to adjudicate, abusers, and exploiters. By doing so, the How can the international community legislate and administrate grievances, it UN in many ways complemented the work in concert to implement what will be possible to conceive a time when best ethical and moral teachings found the global community in its best most people will see them as a reliable in the various religions. At times it had and highest moments of human supplement or even a substitute for to rise above certain religious teachings consciousness had agreed on? How can the confusing and often contradictory that are equivocally ambiguous and the UN implement these resolutions moral tenets of religion. In other words, conflate some of those human rights. regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict the universal human rights regulations that can bring about a just peace for all can then help safeguard and protect the The Bible has, for example, much to the people of our area? rights of all people transcending many say about caring for the vulnerable in As a case in point, on December 24, of the exclusive traditional and religious society: the poor, the orphan, the widow 2012, the UN Human Rights Council practices. and the stranger. God becomes their produced a valuable report on the human protector because the vulnerable can rights condition of the Palestinians under easily be exploited by others. From a the Israeli occupation (A/HRC/22/46/ The Rev. Ateek is the Director of Sabeel 4 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

The Law Around Here

by Gerard Horton centrality to the conflict. This principle absence of a topic connotes lesser is based in customary international law, importance. In many instances, in To many people, the thought and so all nations on earth are bound order to frame the issues, the official of embarking on a discussion of by it. Because of its importance, it also position of the Israeli Government is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict finds expression in the UN Charter and set out and expressed on the website is a daunting challenge fraught can be stated as follows: of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. with confusion, complexity and It is impermissible to acquire territory This is then followed by a discussion controversy. Thankfully, some through military means, regardless of who of the legal merits of the argument, binding principles have been starts a conflict.1 based only on authoritative legal developed, often at great sacrifice and sources. And so to the topics: The wisdom behind this principle is after much trial and error, which can that it is designed to take the incentive 1. Are East Jerusalem, the West Bank help to guide us along the way. This out of what has historically been one and Gaza occupied territories, collection of principles, also known of the chief causes of war – coveting or are they merely disputed as international law, is not perfect, one’s neighbour’s property. In the territories as claimed by the Israeli but there is almost unanimous present context this principle means Government? agreement that these are the that Israel cannot legally hold on to 2. Are all Israeli settlements and principles that apply. Accordingly, the West Bank, East Jerusalem and outposts in East Jerusalem and if a just and lasting solution to the Gaza, which it has occupied since the the West Bank illegal, or are conflict is to be found, it will need war of June 1967 – and it matters not, they merely something to be to be grounded on these principles. from a legal perspective, who may have discussed in the context of wider started the war. The importance of negotiations as claimed by the In February of this year, a handful of this principle to the present conflict is Israeli Government? men and women gathered together profound as most (if not all) of the root 3. Is Israel’s separation Wall built at Sabeel’s offices in Jerusalem causes of human rights violations that largely in the West Bank justified on to discuss the next issue of the occur – regardless of the identity of the the grounds of security as claimed Cornerstone Magazine – this issue. perpetrator – have their root causes in by the Israeli Government? The group knew that the issue would the military occupation that commenced 4. Was Palestine’s recent successful have a legal theme, but the task at immediately following the end of the UN bid to upgrade its status hand was to decide what form this war and continues to this day. justified, or was it a unilateral would take. The idea that emerged action comparable to an act of was to identify a small number of So, after further discussion and the “diplomatic terrorism” as claimed topics that regularly arise and see consumption of much strong coffee, by Israel’s Foreign Minister? if some clear and practical answers the group decided upon the following could be found based on well- list of topics for consideration in this In order to answer these questions, established principles. The hope issue. It should be noted, however, that Sabeel sought out persons familiar being that what follows will be both the list is not intended to be exhaustive with these issues and we hope that you informative and provide practical and is not intended to suggest that the find the following discussion useful. guidance to our readers. In discussing which questions 1 Article 2 of the UN Charter; ICRC – Meeting of Experts, Geneva, October 1998; UN Security Council should be included in this issue, Resolutions 242 (1967); 252 (1968); 267 (1969); 271 (1969); 298 (1971); 338 (1973); 446 (1979); 452 (1979); 465 (1980); 476 (1980); 478 (1980); 681 (1990); 799 (1992); and 904 (1994). it soon became clear that there is one principle that perhaps stands Gerard Horton is a lawyer who for the past five years has focussed on the issue of children above all the others because of its prosecuted in military courts. Previously he practised as a barrister in Sydney, Australia. ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 5 Photo from Saman Mohammadi’s Blog Mohammadi’s Saman from Photo

the British Government in 1917. The Declaration pledged to facilitate the creation of a Jewish homeland within Disputed Palestine. The terms of the Declaration were inherently contradictory and unworkable, promising a Jewish or Occupied? homeland within an unspecified area of Palestine, whilst noting that: “[I]t being clearly understood that nothing shall be done to prejudice the by Gerard Horton another to extend their influence over civil and religious rights of existing non- the pieces of what remained that held Jewish communities in Palestine…” For more than 400 years the Ottoman strategic interest.1 As part of this post- And so with these mutually exclusive Empire controlled a vast territory war carve-up, Britain was granted a commitments the seeds of conflict were stretching from southern Europe to the mandate over historic Palestine by sown. Middle East and North Africa with its the League of Nations, a forerunner Thirty years passed during which time capital in Istanbul, Turkey. The empire to the United Nations. Under the the Jewish population of Palestine – included the Holy Land, also known as mandate, Britain was authorised to encouraged by the Balfour Declaration historic Palestine, in what is today Israel temporarily administer Palestine until its and fleeing Nazi persecution – increased and Palestine. inhabitants were deemed capable of self- from around13 to 33 percent of the In 1918 the old empire collapsed determination by the powers that be.2 total. Some of this immigration was legal following the end of the First World Significantly, the articles of the mandate under Britain’s mandatory authority, War. Immediately after the war the incorporated the terms of the Balfour and some was not. The influx of Jewish victorious powers competed with one Declaration, a pronouncement made by immigrants from Europe, whether legal or 6 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 illegal, antagonised the local Palestinian dividing the city between East and West, 2004, and was quickly rejected.13 In population (Christians and Muslims), even though it was stated to be “without responding to Israel’s position, the Court and later British attempts to restrict prejudice to future territorial settlements had to determine if the Fourth Geneva immigration only served to antagonise or boundary lines or to claims by either Convention – ratified by Israel in 1951 the minority Jewish population.3 Party relating thereto.”7 – was applicable to the conflict as the This is how things remained until June relevant embodiment of international Following the Second World War, 1967, when war again broke out in law. The Convention is based on the an impoverished Britain declared its the region. After six days of fighting, universally-accepted principle that intention to renounce its responsibilities Israeli forces were left in control of despite occupation and war, people under the mandate and to quit East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and living in an occupied territory should Palestine by 1948. Following Britain’s Gaza, or in other words, all of historic continue to live in as normal a manner announcement, the United Nations Palestine.8 The legal implications of this as possible and in accordance with their took up the responsibility for deciding development have been authoritatively laws, culture and traditions.14 The Court how Palestine should be governed in considered on a number of occasions and determined that for the Convention to the post-mandate era. A committee are not seriously disputed, other than by apply and therefore, Israel’s control of the was formed and a report was produced the government of Israel.9 These binding territory to be classified as a temporary recommending that Palestine be divided legal principles can be summarised as military occupation, two conditions had between Palestinian Arabs and Jews. follows:10 to be satisfied: The Partition Plan, as it became known, 1. Since June 1967, East Jerusalem, the 1. There must have been an armed was submitted to the United Nations West Bank and Gaza have been held by conflict; and General Assembly for consideration, Israel under military occupation; and 2. The conflict must have arisen between and in a non-binding vote, the Plan 2. As an occupying power, Israel does not two parties to the Convention. was approved.4 However, the Plan acquire sovereignty over the territory, In finding that both conditions were was immediately rejected by the Arab irrespective of who was responsible for fulfilled, the Court determined that an population of Palestine and many Arab starting the war. This implicitly means armed conflict between Israel and Jordan States as being unbalanced, not least that at some point the occupation must had broken out in June 1967, and at the because 65 percent of the population end.11 time both were parties to the Fourth (Palestinian Arabs – Christians and The solitary position taken by the Israelis Geneva Convention. On a proper Muslims) were being offered around 45 is conveniently presented on the website construction of the law, it was irrelevant percent of the land.5 of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:12 whether or not the occupied territory As Britain withdrew, the situation was the sovereign territory of any state at deteriorated and fighting broke out “Israel’s presence in the territory is often the time the conflict started. between Jews and Arabs. Then on 14 incorrectly referred to as an ‘occupation.’ The same argument continues to be May 1948, Israel unilaterally declared However, under international law, true recycled by Israeli officials in spite of its independence in accordance with the occupation occurs only in territories universal rejection of the Israeli position. non-binding Partition Plan, which had that have been taken from a recognized The reason for Israel’s steadfast rejection already been rejected by the majority of sovereign. The last recognized sovereign of the accepted legal position is that the local population. Fighting continued of the West Bank and Gaza was the it imposes a number of inconvenient until the warring parties agreed to a UN Ottoman Empire, which ceased to exist truths upon Israel, such as: brokered armistice that left the newly following the First World War. [...] As 1. All Israeli settlements and outposts in established State of Israel in control of the West Bank had no prior legitimate East Jerusalem and the West Bank are 78 percent of historic Palestine - 23 sovereign, under international law these illegal by virtue of Article 49 of the Fourth percent more than had been envisaged areas cannot be considered as “occupied” Geneva Convention. It matters not by the UN under the Partition Plan. The Arab or Palestinian lands, and their most whether the settlers moved voluntarily remaining 22 percent of historic Palestine accurate description would be that of into occupied territory or were assisted was now administered by Jordan (East disputed territories.” or forced by the government. Jerusalem and the West Bank) and Egypt 2. The destruction or seizure of (Gaza).6 The temporary ceasefire line This very same argument was used Palestinian property in East Jerusalem, (“Green Line”) between the parties ran by the Israeli Government before the West Bank and Gaza is illegal unless right through the middle of Jerusalem, the International Court of Justice in absolutely required out of military ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 7 necessity by virtue of Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. 3. The transfer of Palestinian prisoners to detention facilities inside Israel is illegal by virtue of Article 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Although all Palestinian prisoners are supposed to be detained in the occupied territory, each month around 85 percent are held inside Israel.15 4. Regardless of what Israel says or does, it cannot acquire legal sovereignty over East Jerusalem, the West Bank or Gaza, and at some point – in accordance with Press TV. TV. Press international law – must give up the © territory as the U.S. did in Iraq and A Palestinian woman weeps next to her olive trees torched by settlers Afghanistan.16 5. Subject only to legitimate security Accordingly, the only resolution to the Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. The considerations, the welfare of the conflict consistent with international Palestinian State would still only occupy local population is the main principle law requires a full withdrawal of Israeli 22 percent of historic Palestine even guiding the measures and policies forces to the pre-1967 borders and the though the population split between Arab undertaken by the occupying power dismantling of all settlements without and Jewish stands in equilibrium, with in the administration of the occupied preconditions, making the way for the six million Palestinians and six million territory.17 creation of a Palestinian State in the West Jews now living in the Holy Land.

1- The process of demarcating European influence over the remnants of the Ottoman Empire began before the end of the First World War, most famously with the Sykes-Picot Agreement of 1916. In that agreement Britain and France, with the consent of Russia, established their prospective spheres of influence in the Middle East once the war was won. 2- International Court of Justice, Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Advisory Opinion, 2004 (ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Wall) – paragraph 70. 3- United Nations Special Committee on Palestine, Report to the General Assembly, 1947 – UN document A/364. 4- UN General Assembly resolution 181. The vote was: 33 for, 13 against, with 10 abstentions. 5- United Nations Special Committee on Palestine, Report to the General Assembly, 1947 – Chapter VI. 6- In 1950 Jordan’s parliament incorporated the West Bank but stated that it was “without prejudicing the final settlement of Palestine’s just case within the sphere of national aspirations, inter-Arab cooperation and international justice.” Egypt did not incorporate the Gaza Strip but administered it as “an inseparable part of the land of Palestine.” See: The Case for Palestine: An International Law Perspective, John Quigley, chapter 21. 7- ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Wall (2004) – paragraph 72. 8- During the war of 1967, Israel also captured the Sinai Peninsula from Egypt and the Golan Heights from Syria. 9- ICJ Advisory Opinion (2004); Commission on Human Rights resolutions 6 (XXIV), 6 (XXV), 2001/7; Human Rights Council resolutions 7/18, 10/18, 19/17; Security Council resolutions (1969) 271, (1979) 446, (1989) 641, (1990) 681, (1992) 799; General Assembly resolutions 2546, ES-10/2, 36/147 C, 54/78, 58/97, ES- 10/18, 66/225; ICRC. 10- ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Wall (2004). 11- Article 2 of the UN Charter; and ICRC – Meeting of Experts, Geneva, October 1998. 12- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, FAQ: Israel, the Conflict and Peace. Available at: http://is.gd/OMks5Y 13- ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Wall (2004). 14-The main purpose of the Fourth Geneva Convention is to protect civilians living under military occupation against arbitrary action by the State –see ICRC – Meeting of Experts, Geneva, October 1998. 15- According to monthly figures published by the Israeli Prison Service. 16- Article 2 of the UN Charter; ICRC – Meeting of Experts, Geneva, October 1998; UN Security Council Resolutions 242 (1967); 252 (1968); 267 (1969); 271 (1969); 298 (1971); 338 (1973); 446 (1979); 452 (1979); 465 (1980); 476 (1980); 478 (1980); 681 (1990); 799 (1992); and 904 (1994). 17- ICRC, Occupation and Other Forms and Other Forms of Administration of Territory, Expert Meeting, 2012, page 72. 8 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

© UPI / Debbie Hill / Debbie © UPI The Hole every day from the West Bank to look in the Wall for employment despite the Barrier. Irrespective of the official reasons, the by Ray Dolphin intended to annex land or to constitute inclusion of Israeli settlements on the a border to replace the internationally- “Israeli side” of the Barrier – including recognised Armistice Line (“Green areas planned for their future expansion Background Line”). Most Israeli citizens attribute – is a major reason for the deviation of the lack of suicide bombings in Israel in the Barrier from the Green Line into In 2002 following a campaign of recent years to the success of the Barrier the West Bank. Over 70 of the 150 suicide attacks by Palestinian militants, in preventing infiltration from the West Israeli settlements in the West Bank the Israeli Government approved Bank. However, not denying that the and over 85 percent of the total settler the construction of a Barrier to deter Barrier has had security benefits, many population are located on the “Israeli suicide bombers from the West Bank. analysts attribute this decline to an side” of the Barrier’s route. Approximately 62 percent of the improvement in security information Barrier is now completed, a further sharing and cooperation between eight percent is under construction, Israel and the Palestinian Authority, The International Court of and 30 percent is planned but not and a tactical decision by Palestinian Justice Advisory Opinion on yet constructed (see Barrier Facts militants to suspend suicide bombings. the Barrier and Figures). According to the Israeli Israeli officials estimated in 2011 that authorities, the Barrier remains a approximately 15,000 Palestinians On 9 July 2004, the International Court temporary security measure and is not were smuggling themselves into Israel of Justice (ICJ) – the principal judicial ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 9

Barrier Facts and Figures

• The Barrier consists of concrete walls, fences, ditches, razor wire, groomed humanitarian impact on Palestinian sand paths, an electronic monitoring system, patrol roads, and a buffer zone. communities. In addition to the major • The Barrier’s total length (constructed and projected) is approximately 708 impact on rural communities (described km, more than twice the length of the 1949 Armistice (“Green”) Line, which below), the Barrier also adversely affects separates Israel from the occupied West Bank. urban areas, in particular Qalqiliya, • When completed some 85% of the Barrier route will run inside the West Bethlehem and East Jerusalem. In East Bank, rather than along the Green Line, isolating some 9.4% of the West Jerusalem, the Barrier is transforming Bank (including East Jerusalem). the geography, economy and social • Around 11,000 Palestinians who reside in areas between the Green Line and life not only of Palestinians who reside the Barrier (“Seam Zone,” excluding East Jerusalem) require special permits within the Israeli-defined municipal to continue living in their own homes; another 23,000 will be isolated if the area, but also residents of the wider Barrier is completed as planned. metropolitan area. In the areas where the • There are about 150 Palestinian communities that have part of their land Barrier follows the municipal boundary, isolated by the Barrier and must obtain special permits or perform “prior it physically separates Palestinian coordination” to access this area. communities onto either side of what • Access to agricultural land through the Barrier is channeled through had previously been a jurisdictional approximately 70 gates. The majority of these gates only open during the division. Thus, certain West Bank six-week olive harvest season and usually only for a limited period during the neighbourhoods and suburbs that day. were once closely connected to East Jerusalem are now walled out, causing previously flourishing residential and organ of the United Nations – issued of the Barrier, “including in and around commercial centres to close down. The an Advisory Opinion on the “Legal East Jerusalem”; dismantle the sections Ramallah and Bethlehem urban areas, Consequences of the Construction already completed; and “repeal or render which have historically been connected of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian ineffective forthwith all legislative to East Jerusalem, are also physically Territory.” The ICJ recognized and regulatory acts relating thereto.”1 separated from the city by this new that Israel “has to face numerous The Court’s Advisory Opinion stated divide. indiscriminate and deadly acts of that UN Member States should not violence against its civilian population” recognize the illegal situation created Rural areas and that it “has the right, and indeed by the Barrier and should ensure Israel’s The Barrier’s impact has been the duty, to respond in order to protect compliance with international law. UN particularly severe on Palestinian rural the life of its citizens. [However], the General Assembly Resolution ES-10/15 communities, as the intrusive route measures taken are bound nonetheless of 20 July 2004 demanded that Israel cuts through eight of the West Bank’s to remain in conformity with applicable comply with its legal obligations as 11 governorates, isolating the farms, international law.” stated in the ICJ opinion. greenhouses, grazing lands and water resources of tens of thousands of The ICJ stated that the sections of Impact Palestinians. Farmers in approximately the Barrier route that ran inside the 150 communities who have land West Bank (including East Jerusalem) East Jerusalem isolated between the Barrier and the – together with the associated gate The route of the Barrier inside the West Green Line (“Seam Zone”) are obliged and permit regime – violated Israel’s Bank (including East Jerusalem) is to use a prior coordination mechanism obligations under international law. The not only contrary to the ICJ advisory or to obtain special permits from the ICJ called on Israel to cease construction opinion, but is also responsible for the Israeli authorities to reach their land. 10 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

Comprehensive data on the number Green Line or in Israel. In many cases, of permits granted is not available; while restoring the communities’ links however, Israeli authorities routinely to health and education services, these rejected many applications, mainly due amendments restrict their access to to “security reasons” or on the grounds the agricultural land on which their of insufficient proof of the farmers’ livelihoods and survival depend. “connection to the land.” The way forward Even those farmers granted access to their land by permit or prior Although Israel has the duty to ensure coordination face restrictions to their the safety and security of its citizens passage through gates and checkpoints. in response to attacks by Palestinian Most of the crossings along the Barrier militants, this must be in accordance are only open during the olive harvest, with international law and should and each only for a limited time frame not cause long-term detriment to during this period; access for the the local Palestinian population. remainder of the year is prohibited. In The ICJ Advisory Opinion called on total, as of this year’s olive harvest, there Israel to cease construction of the were 77 Barrier crossings (69 gates and Barrier (including in and around East eight checkpoints). Of the gates, only Jerusalem), to dismantle the sections of 11 open daily; 11 open for some day(s) Photo by Ryan Rodrick Beiler the Barrier already completed, and to during the week and during the olive repeal the gate and permit regime. In season; and 47 open during the olive residents to pass through Barrier line with the Advisory Opinion, Israel season only. The limited allocation checkpoints to reach workplaces and should stop all Barrier construction, of these permits together with the essential services, and to maintain dismantle or re-route the constructed restricted number and opening times family and social relations on the sections to the Green Line, and repeal of the Barrier gates all continue to “Palestinian” side of the Barrier. the gate and permit regime. Only then severely curtail agricultural practice and will the Palestinian communities cut undermine rural livelihoods throughout In recent years the Israeli authorities off by the Barrier, including in East the West Bank. have “released” certain of these Jerusalem, be able to exercise their communities to the “Palestinian side” by rights to freedom of movement, work, “Seam Zone” communities re-routing the Barrier. However, these education, health and an adequate This intrusive route of the Barrier amendments, which are in compliance standard of living. This will also also isolates approximately 11,000 with decisions issued by the Israeli ensure that no Palestinian land and Palestinians in 33 communities or High Court of Justice (rather than the water reserves are isolated between the isolated households between the Barrier ICJ advisory opinion), still leave the Barrier and the Green Line, preventing and the Green line in the “Seam Zone.” re-routed sections of the Barrier within communities from cultivating land, The majority of those (ages 16 and the West Bank rather than along the harvesting crops and grazing animals. above) require “permanent resident” permits from the Israeli authorities to 1 continue to live in their homes; Israeli ICJ, Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, settlers living in the “Seam Zone” Advisory Opinion of 9 July 2004, para. 141. The full text of the ICJ opinion can be found at: area are exempt from this regulation. http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/index.php?p1=3&p2=4&k=5a&case=131&code=mwp&p3=4 Few health and education services are Ray Dolphin is the main author of numerous UN reports on the Wall. He has written available between the Barrier and the “The West Bank Wall: Unmaking Palestine,” Pluto Press, (2006). He is currently Green Line for Palestinians, obliging working as a researcher/writer with UNOCHA Jerusalem. Global Young Adult FestivalISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 11

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12 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

Women’s Voices

Name: Fatima R. very scared,” she says. away. My husband did the same and Age: 38 “My husband and I walked outside to told me to get into the car as quickly as Location: Qusra, West Bank see what was going on, but the minute possible,” Fatima says. Date: 23 February 2013 the settlers saw us they started to shout Fatima and her husband made it safely Incident: Settler violence and verbally abuse us, it was awful. I to their car but were worried for their was very worried about my husband children still inside the shed. “When A Palestinian mother and told him to come back inside. the settlers noticed that my husband describes the day Israeli However, before we could do anything, was trying to move the car away they settlers fired shots at her I saw the masked settler take position ran towards us and started throwing family as they planted behind a pile of dirt about 50 meters stones. I cannot describe how terrified almond trees on their land. away and aim his rifle at us and started I was, my heart was pounding and I shooting in our direction. Bullets didn’t think we were going to make Fatima lives with her husband and landed all around us and I was terrified it out safely, but luckily we did,” she three children in the West Bank and thought I was going to be killed says. village of Qusra, near the town on the spot. There was no one around “Miraculously my children escaped and of Nablus. The settlement of Esh except us. I instinctively ducked and no one was physically hurt, but I am Kodesh is nearby. “Our village is started to crawl towards our car, which still in shock four days later.” I wake up surrounded by settlements built was parked on the dirt road a few meters in the middle of the night panicking on land belonging to the village and the villages nearby,” Fatima says. “On Saturday 23 February 2013, I went with my husband and children to some agricultural land we own near the village. We wanted to plant some almond trees, to do some weeding and have a nice day outside in the spring weather. At around noon, after doing a lot of work on the land, we had a tea break in a small shed we have on the land. Suddenly, we heard the sound of men shouting outside and cursing - using bad language which I am too embarrassed to repeat. We looked out and saw five Israeli settlers nearby carrying guns. One of them was masked. I was © IMEMC A settler throwing wine on Muslim woman in Hebron ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 13

and I find it hard to go back to sleep. My knees are shaky and I sometimes feel my legs are unable hold me anymore. My husband went back to the land later that day and found that the settlers had pulled out some trees, smashed the windows of the shed and caused damage to the property,” Fatima says. “This is not the first time that settlers Torokman REUTERS/Mohamad photo by from the nearby settlement of Esh “Death to Arabs” Hebrew graffiti on a Palestinian car in the West Bank Kodesh have caused us trouble, it happens all the time.” I think there whistling outside at around 4:45 the village went out to confront were about 15 attacks since June last p.m.,” recalls Khadra. “I looked out the them. Both the settlers and the men year. On 1 January this year settlers window and saw settlers wearing white threw stones at each other. Some destroyed about 60 small olive trees, shirts coming down the hill towards were carrying sticks. It took the which my husband had planted himself. the village. My house is closest to the soldiers a long time to show up but The loss is not simply financial; the idea settlement of Yitzhar where radical when they finally did, they didn’t do of not being able to work our own land settlers often launch attacks against us. much. I saw a settler with a pistol is deeply disturbing. The settlers don’t The last time they launched such an aiming it at the men in the village want us here, they want to drive us off attack was in December when a large as if he was about to shoot. I was so our land so that they take it over, that’s group surrounded our house in the scared. I heard gun shots. I also saw basically it,” she says. middle of the night and threw rocks at another two settlers aiming their big our windows. It was such a frightening guns at the men throwing stones. experience that I felt sick for days,” she There were more gunshots. Seconds Name: Khadra M. says. later, I realized a young [Palestinian] Age: 43 Khadra went up to the roof of her house man had been shot in the head,” says Location: Asira Al-Qibliyeh, West and started filming with a video camera Khadra. Bank given to her by the Israeli human rights “This dreadful situation went on for Date: 19 May 2012 organization, B’Tselem. “When the nearly two hours and during this Incident: Settler violence settlers were about 40 meters away whole time the soldiers did almost from our house, men from the village nothing. Then they shot tear gas and Israeli settlers from the settlement started to walk in their direction to everybody started to clear the area. Yitzhar attacked the village of Asira stop them approaching any further. I The situation was very tense until Al-Qibliyeh and shot a Palestinian immediately knew there was going to about 7:00 p.m. I could not sleep resident. be confrontation and hoped the soldiers that night. “It is a disturbing feeling would show up soon,” recalls Khadra. to know we are completely on our “I was at home doing some house “More and more settlers came down own; nobody is there to help or work on Saturday when I heard some the hill and more and more men from protect us,” she says. 14 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

Glimpses of Our Activities

Nazareth

Meeting with a Swedish group Youth meeting in Kufr Kana

Youth trip to Jerusalem during Lent Nazareth women’s trip to Tiberius ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 15

Glimpses of Our Activities

Jerusalem Community Lenten program in Jericho

Ecumenical Prayer Service for Syria and Palestinian Contemporary Way of the Cross in prisoners at the Dominican Church in Jerusalem the Old City – Jerusalem

Clergy meeting in Irtas Monastery – Bethlehem Quiz Night in Ramallah for young adults 16 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 © UPI / Debbie Hill / Debbie © UPI What is Wrong with Settlements?

by Gerard Horton “The Occupying Power shall not and therefore, the prohibition against deport or transfer parts of its own transfer of population and settlements The first Israeli settlement was civilian population into the territory does not apply. Accordingly, so the established in September 1967, it occupies.” argument goes, the settlements are three months after the start of Israel’s just one more issue that needs to be military occupation of the West Further, international law prohibits an discussed before a final resolution Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza occupying power from undertaking to the conflict can be reached. This Strip. According to the UN, there permanent changes in the occupied argument thereby attempts to take the are now 250 settlements in the West area unless these are due to military settlement issue out of an inconvenient Bank and East Jerusalem with a total needs in the narrow sense of the term, legal framework and places it up for population of 520,000.1 All of the or unless they are undertaken for the negotiation. This is essential from an settlements, without exception, are benefit of the local population.2 Israeli Government perspective, as illegal under international law as the legal argument in support of the they violate Article 49 of the Fourth The official Israeli Government position settlements is without merit and has Geneva Convention and the principle on the settlements is they are not been rejected on numerous occasions, that territory cannot be acquired illegal because the land on which they including by the UN Security Council through war: are built is disputed, not occupied, and the International Court of Justice.3 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 17

State sponsorship of an illegal hinting that all was not above board enterprise when he was quoted in the Israeli media A recent report published by the (Haaretz: “Like a thief in the night”) as “At around UN confirms that since 1967, stating that: “We’ve doubled the budget 1 a.m. I was successive Israeli Governments have for Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). sleeping in actively encouraged illegal settlement We did this in a low-profile manner, my room construction in the West Bank and East because we didn’t want parties either in when I woke up Jerusalem.4 According to the report, Israel or abroad to thwart the move.” to banging on the Israeli governments “have openly door. I saw windows led and directly participated in the Human rights violations had been smashed. planning, construction, development, associated with the settlements I was very scared. consolidation and/or encouragement Beyond the headlines the settlements My whole family of settlements ... by (i) building have an adverse impact on the lives woke up and my infrastructure; (ii) encouraging of Palestinians on a daily basis and father went to answer Jewish migrants to Israel to move to directly contribute to widespread settlements; (iii) sponsoring economic human rights violations in the West the door. When he activities; (iv) supporting settlements Bank and East Jerusalem. These opened the door I through public service delivery and violations include: attacks by settlers; saw a group of Israeli development projects; and (v) seizing restrictions on religious freedom and soldiers standing Palestinian land.” related intolerance; dispossession and behind it.” displacement; restrictions on freedom This official sponsorship in an illegal of movement; restrictions on freedom Khalil – 13 years enterprise is also confirmed by the Israeli of expression and peaceful assembly; Abu Dis, West Bank organisation, B’Tselem, which reports restrictions on the right to water; and that: “Settlers and other Israeli citizens an impact on the economic rights of working or investing in the settlements Palestinians.5 are entitled to significant financial friction, as they are generally built in benefits. One of the mechanisms used The UN recently observed that the close proximity to Palestinian towns and by the government to favor the Jewish intention behind attacks by settlers is villages. In order to maintain control local authorities in the West Bank, to pressure the Palestinian population and ensure the continued viability of in comparison with local authorities to leave the land. The UN noted that the settlement project, the Israeli army inside Israel, is to channel funding during the course of many settler is given the responsibility of suppressing through the Settlement Division of the attacks, Israeli soldiers and police all forms of Palestinian resistance, World Zionist Organization. Although were present, suggesting an element whether peaceful or otherwise, so as to the entire budget of the Settlement of coordination and complicity by ensure the settlers can go about their Division comes from state funds, as a the State. Furthermore, complaints daily business without interference. A non-governmental body it is not subject by Palestinians against settlers have a central means by which this control is to the rules applying to government 91 percent chance of being dismissed exercised is through regular military ministries in Israel.” without any effective action being incursions into Palestinian villages, taken, whereas in cases involving settler mass arrests and prosecution in military As recently as November 2012, Israel’s complaints against Palestinians, up to courts. UN and Israeli Prison Service Finance Minister, Yuval Steinitz, 95 percent of cases proceed to court.6 figures reveal that since 1967 around confirmed state sponsorship of the The settlements and their related 730,000 Palestinian men, women and settlements whilst at the same time infrastructure also act as points of children have been arrested, prosecuted 18 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

and detained by the Israeli military and way of an example: Two children living exclusive benefit of Israeli Jews” and are reports of abuse within the system are in the West Bank throw stones at each maintained through a system of “total commonplace.7 These figures include other. If one child is Palestinian, he can segregation” between the settlers and between 500-700 children each year, be arrested in the middle of the night the rest of the population. The system some as young as 12 years old, who by heavily armed soldiers; interrogated of segregation is supported by “strict are prosecuted in military courts and without access to his parents or a military and law enforcement control detained mostly for throwing stones lawyer; and prosecuted in a military to the detriment of the rights of the at Israeli soldiers and settlers near their court that lacks many basic fair trial Palestinian population.” villages. right protections. If the other child is an Israeli settler, he will be dealt with under The report ends with a number of One land - two laws Israel’s civilian juvenile justice system recommendations, including the Israeli military law was imposed on with all the rights and protections following: Palestinians living in the West Bank in one would expect in a well-developed 1. Israel must cease all settlement June 1967 and remains in place to this system guided by the principle of “best activity without preconditions and day. Israeli settlers are also technically interests of the child.” immediately initiate a process of subject to military law. However, in withdrawal; reality, Israeli authorities apply the A “creeping annexation” 2. UN Member States must comply same civilian legal system to settlers In its most recent report the UN notes with their obligations under as to residents of Tel Aviv, effectively that despite numerous resolutions international law not to recognise annexing the settlements to Israel. As of the Security Council and General an unlawful situation resulting a result, two people residing in the Assembly declaring the existence of from Israel’s violations; and West Bank can be subject to different the settlements as illegal and calling for 3. Private companies must assess legal systems with vastly different rights their cessation, expansion of settlements the human rights impact of their and protections simply depending on continues. This “mesh of construction activities and take all necessary their race or nationality – a situation and infrastructure” is leading to a steps – including terminating their of discrimination that is expressly “creeping annexation” that makes the business interests in the settlements prohibited under international law.8 establishment of a viable Palestinian – to ensure that they are not state impossible.9 adversely impacting the human The discriminatory nature of the legal The report concludes that the rights of the Palestinian people. systems is perhaps best illustrated by settlements are established “for the

1- Report of the independent international fact-finding mission to investigate the implications of the Israeli settlements on the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Palestinian people throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, UN Human Rights Council, January 2013 (UN report on settlements (2013). According to the UN there are 320,000 settlers in the West Bank and 200,000 in East Jerusalem. 2- Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land annexed to the Fourth Hague Convention of 1907 (The Hague Regulations). 3- UN Security Council resolution 446 (1979); International Court of Justice, Legal Consequences of the Construction of a Wall in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Advisory Opinion, 2004 (ICJ Advisory Opinion on the Wall). 4- UN report on settlements (2013). 5- Ibid. 6- Ibid. 7- Children in Military Custody (June 2012): A report written by a delegation of British lawyers on the treatment of Palestinian children under Israeli military law. 19 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 19

A sample of legally binding UN Security Council resolutions

Resolution Date Details 242 1967 Emphasizing the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by war and the need to work for a just and lasting peace in which every state in the area can live in security … (i) Withdrawal of Israel armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict. 267 1969 Reaffirming the principle that acquisition of territory by military operation isnot acceptable, the Security Council deplores Israel’s violations of UN Resolutions, censures in the strongest terms Israel’s actions changing the status of Jerusalem, confirms as invalid all legislative and administrative steps taken by Israel changing the status of Jerusalem, and urgently calls once again upon Israel to rescind past measures and desist from any future actions concerning changing the status of Jerusalem. 298 1971 All legislative and administrative actions taken by Israel to change the status of the City of Jerusalem, including expropriation of land and properties, transfer of populations, and legislation aimed at the incorporation of the occupied section, are totally invalid and cannot change that status. 446 1979 Affirming that the Geneva Conventions relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War (1949) are applicable to the Arab occupied territories by Israel including Jerusalem, and that the Israeli settlements in those territories are not valid, and are a serious obstacle to peace. 478 1980 All legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, which have altered or purport to alter the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, are null and void. 681 1990 Urges the Government of Israel to accept de jure applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 to all the territories occupied by Israel since 1967, and to abide scrupulously by the provisions of the said Convention. 799 1992 Reaffirms the applicability of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 12 August 1949 to all the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967, including Jerusalem.

8- Under international law, no state is entitled to discriminate between those over whom it exercises penal jurisdiction on the basis of their race or nationality. In Al-Skeini v United Kingdom (55721/07; 7 July 2011), the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights held that a state in military occupation of a territory is obliged, by virtue of its adherence to an international human rights treaty, to accord those rights in full to persons over whom, without assuming full sovereignty, it exercises “physical power and control,” or who inhabit an area of which the contracting state has effective control. 9- UN report on settlements (2013). 20 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013

Which Peace and Whose Security?

by Hind Khoury to implement international law and aggression as war crimes and even “war pursue peace with justice for all peoples against humanity.” concerned? In addition to experiencing daily Israeli Israel’s claim may sound logical. It The Palestinian leadership, while aggression, Gazans are an integral part argues that Israel withdrew from Gaza legitimately acknowledging the of the Palestinian people and cannot be and got rockets on its civilians in Palestinian’s natural right to defend indifferent to the continued aggression return. Along the same logic, if Israel themselves and resist the inhuman against their people in East Jerusalem is to withdraw from the West Bank and and illegal conditions of the Israeli and the West Bank, which intensified East Jerusalem, it will be taking a major occupation of their land and lives, under the cover of the so called “peace security risk that it cannot afford. has condemned the rockets launched process.” from Gaza because these contradict Only a further scratch of the surface international law. Such international Under these ongoing conditions of regarding the Israeli - Palestinian law is the accepted measure of relative a fictitious peace that allowed (and conflict will show that this claim has justice owed to the Palestinian people continues to allow) increased Israeli been successfully communicated by and the main reference to a negotiated aggression against the Palestinians, any the Israeli media machine, mainly to two-state solution. talk of the two-state solution and the emphasize Israel’s status as the victim implementation of international law in this conflict; a “historical” victim of But then, the record of Israel’s flagrant on the matter can easily be viewed as an the inherent violence and hatred in “the violation of international law against exercise in futility. These conditions led other” either in the form of worldwide the Palestinian people – including some Palestinian groups in Gaza to view anti-Semitism or the more recent its inhuman hermetic siege of Gaza their rockets as a legitimate means of Palestinian and Arab antagonism. that continues especially since 2006 resistance against so much intransigence – is also public knowledge. The most to their most essential rights as human This victimhood is an important dramatic and horrific images of this beings and as a people. element in the Israeli war strategy and siege, the continued Israeli aggression We Palestinians need peace more than occupation against the Palestinian and most inhuman consequences any other people because we need to people. It has been very well and are communicated on TV channels, be guaranteed a normal life, which has successfully communicated over the alternative media and official reports. been denied to us now for generations years and has led the major western Targeted killings of so called wanted – to our youth both in the occupied powers to adopt an adamant and Palestinians, accompanied with the territories and in the prolonged exile painfully partial stand by the “security dramatic loss of civilian lives and as refugees. Hence, the Palestinian of Israel” and its “right to defend itself” massive material damage (especially in leadership since the mid 1970›s has been as a core element in their foreign policy Gaza) has been categorized as collateral rallying the Palestinian people around – regardless of how truly victimized damage by Israel. The Israeli aggression the two-state solution as an important the other peoples around Israel are, against Gaza climaxed in its merciless compromised solution for the sake of mainly the Palestinians. But if Middle bombardment of Gaza for almost peace. Palestinians officially accepted East peace is important to Israel and its a whole month back in 2009, and international law on the matter in 1988 western allies, and if they really cared was repeated in 2012. This was well and called for a reduced state of their about the universal values that is said to documented by the famous Goldstone own in 22% of historic Palestine, which guide their politics, wouldn’t they seek Report and its qualifications of Israel’s is their natural ancestral homeland. ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 21

This Palestinian peace offer to Israel has and international law on the matter. century. This can be done alongside a been further substantiated by the Arab Peace is neither just nor durable if it respect of the historical narratives on Peace Initiative made by all the Arab is maintained alongside “domination, both sides of the divide. and Muslim countries (since 2002), violations of rights and the denial of offering to make peace and normalize a decent and a dignified life to any For peace to succeed, Israelis and relations with Israel against its full one party. For Palestinians peace and Palestinians need to do two things. withdrawal from the Arab Territories normalization mean full independence First, they need to conclude a final occupied in the 1967 war. Neither Israel and recognition, and it cannot mean status agreement. Secondly, and more nor the U.S. accepted this generous accepting Israel’s exceptionalism.”1 importantly, the spirit and the letter of offer, and instead, Israel continues its this agreement should promote a sense aggressive settlement expansion in the Benjamin Natanyahu, the prime of justice as perceived by all parties and Palestinian Occupied Territories and minister of Israel, in his UN speech peoples concerned. This sense of justice the Golan Heights – while imposing of 2011 said: “Palestinians should that is strongly promoted by the three “soft” ethnic cleansing measures against first make peace with Israel and then monotheistic religions – starting with the Palestinian population (especially get their state” He added: “...peace in the Old Testament – can practically rest in East Jerusalem) in total impunity. which a demilitarized Palestinian state on the promotion of international law. The consequences of the occupation recognizes a Jewish state.” While the first in East Jerusalem are also public statement suggests Israel is seeking more It is no wonder that the whole world, knowledge and documented by many time to proceed with its expansionist except for Israel and the U.S., stood parties, including the UN agencies and colonialist policies, the second by Palestinian rights to statehood in the and the European Head of Missions in suggests capitulation by Palestinians to UN resolution of last November when Jerusalem and Ramallah. a skewed balance of power in favor of Palestine was recognized as a STATE, Israel and conditioning any peace deal even though as a non-member of the The only peace that will bring security with the Palestinians to the recognition UN. This important recognition, to Israel is not military power and of Israel as a Jewish State. This is a new though belated, is a recognition that hegemony. Security will be a natural and recent condition imposed by Israel a paradigm change that emphasizes outcome of a just and durable peace to pursue the peace process and one and respects international law is due in that both peoples can live with and that defies the very history of the region order for peace to prevail. that respects international law as and the ethnic identity of its people. an acceptable measure of justice. The main legal underpinnings of the Negotiations will be necessary, but only Real peace and security also require from peace process are the “land for peace” to discuss the application of international all parties the respect of real democracies formula of the Madrid Conference law as it applies to Palestine in all its for all, especially in the Middle East. and UNSC Resolution 242 (and 338, components; UN resolutions, the 4th This should include respect for cultural reaffirming 242), which emphasizes Geneva Convention and the Universal heritage in the region as a world the inadmissibility of the acquisition of Declaration of Human Rights. heritage and serious work to disclose territory by war and the need to work and emphasize the true history of the for a just and lasting peace. Resolution Under the total political impasse that region that is scientific and based on 242 also calls for the “respect for and has been facing the peace process for material and archeological findings that acknowledgment of the sovereignty, years now, the Palestinian leadership have become available since the 19th territorial integrity and political sought to save the two-state solution by reverting back to the international community and the United Nations The only peace that will bring security last November – calling on them to take on their responsibilities towards to Israel is not military power and the conflict and the inalienable rights hegemony. Security will be a natural of the Palestinian people still waiting to outcome of a just and durable peace be realized since 1948. that both peoples can live with and The main obstacle to peace is Israel’s that respects international law as an acceptable refusal to recognize Palestinian rights measure of justice. 22 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 independence of every State in the area threatening peace and security in the deserve real peace and normal lives. This and their right to live in peace within world and imposing on many such a can only be achieved through a clear and secure and recognized boundaries free dramatically high human, political and unbiased commitment by all citizens from threats or acts of force.” It also financial cost. and governments to the international recognizes the right of every state to self- Those in the Middle East, including rule of law and its universal principles determination, geographic continuity, Palestinians and Israelis, need and of justice and accountability. and independence. 1 The main question that seeks an urgent Israel’s Exceptionalism: normalizing the abnormal. Statement by PACBI, 31 October 2011. answer is why such important Security Hind Khoury is former Minister of Jerusalem Affairs with the Palestinian Authority Council resolutions, alongside many and former Ambassador to France. She is currently a development consultant and Vice others, are left neglected for decades, President of Sabeel.

Join Sabeel in celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Palestinian Liberation Theology

Together we will look at the emerging Theological Landscape where local and International Theologians reflect on The Bible and the Palestine-Israel Conflict

Cost: 1000 USD per person for double room | 1450 USD for single room Additional 100 USD for registration after 1st May 2013 Additional 200 USD for registration after 15th August 2013 Cost includes room and meals for 6 nights (Nov. 19 to 25), registration, on-site visits and all related material Registration Deadline October 1st 2013 Notre Dame Center, Jerusalem • 19 – 25 November 2013 www.sabeel.org ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 23

Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center P.O.B. 49084 Jerusalem 91491 Tel: 972.2.532.7136 Fax: 972.2.532.7137

General E-mail: [email protected] Visit our newly revised website at: www.sabeel.org Clergy Program: [email protected] International Programs: [email protected] Sabeel-Nazareth Youth Program: [email protected] PO Box 50278 Nazareth 16120 Israel Media: [email protected] Tel: 972(4)6020790 Visiting: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] International Friends of Sabeel Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA) Friends of Sabeel Scandinavia and FOS Sweden Rev. Dr. Don Wagner, Program Director Rev. Emanuel Furbacken (Chair) PO Box 9186, Rönnvägen 50 Portland, OR 97207 | USA SE -443 45 Sjövik | Sweden Tel: (1)-503-653-6625 Phone: +46 737 738909 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.fosna.org www.sabeelskandinavien.org Friends of Sabeel Scandinavia in Denmark Canadian Friends of Sabeel (CFOS) Rev. Peter Skov Friis 3 Sandstone Court Lange Eng 21 Nepean, Ontario | Canada, K2G 6N5 DK-2620 Albertslund | Denmark E-mail: [email protected] phone: +45 3151 0406 Website: www.sabeel.ca E-mail: [email protected] Friends of Sabeel United Kingdom (FOS-UK) Friends of Sabeel Scandinavia in Norway Anne Clayton, Coordinator Hans Morten Haugen Watlingon Rd. Haråsveien 2e Oxford OX4 6BZ | UK 0283 Oslo | Norway Telephone (+44) 1865 787419 or 787420 Phone: +47 47340649 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] www.friendsofsabeel.org.uk www.sabeelnorge.org

Friends of Sabeel Ireland (FOS-IR) Friends of Sabeel Oceana Inc. (FOS-AU) Mrs. May Byrne Rev. Dr. Ray Barraclough 9 Sycamore Road 44 Coral Street Dundrum Maleny, Queensland 4552 | Australia Dublin 16 E-mail: [email protected] 01-295 2643 (Office and Fax) www.sabeel.org.au E-mail: [email protected] Friends of Sabeel France Mr. Gilbert Charbonnier Friends of Sabeel Netherlands (FOSNL) 16 C1, Chemin de St. Henry Vrienden van Sabeel Nederland Phone: +33 (0)4 9084 0134 Rev. Willemien Keuning F-84000 Avignon| France Robijn Reijntjesstraat 41 E-mail: [email protected] 1785 EL Den Helder Friends of Sabeel Germany The Netherlands Tel. (+31) (0)6 43637575 Canon Ulrich Kadelbach Email: [email protected] Happoldstrasse 50 www.vriendenvansabeelnederland.nl D-70469 Stuttgart | Germany +49 (0) 711 857841 E-mail: [email protected] 24 ISSUE 65, SPRING 2013 [email protected] | 02-2343420 [email protected]

Purpose Statement Sabeel

Sabeel is an ecumenical grassroots liberation theology ofSabeel also works to promote a more accurate international movement among Palestinian Christians. Inspired by the awareness regarding the identity, presence, and witness of life and teaching of Jesus Christ, this liberation theology Palestinian Christians as well as their contemporary concerns. seeks to deepen the faith of Palestinian Christians, promote It encourages individuals and groups from around the world unity among them, and lead them to act for justice and love. to work for a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace Sabeel strives to develop a spirituality based on justice, peace, informed by truth and empowered by prayer and action. non-violence, liberation, and reconciliation for the different national and faith communities. The word ‘Sabeel’ is Arabic For more information on Friends of Sabeel groups in your for ‘the way’ and also a ‘channel’ or ‘spring’ of life-giving area please contact our international representatives or the water. Sabeel Center in Jerusalem.