Palestine/Israel

(Edited by Phil Jones) . “When will it be understood that the coexistence of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples cannot be brought about by arms? For it is neither attacks, nor walls that separate, nor even retaliation that will ever lead to a just solution of the continuing conflict…. From 1967 till today, unspeakable sufferings have followed one upon another in a frightening manner: the suffering of the Palestinians, driven out of their land and forced, in recent times, into a state of permanent siege, becoming as it were the object of a collective punishment; the suffering of the Israeli population, who live in the daily terror of being targets of anonymous assailants…. Faced with this humanitarian tragedy, which does not seem to show any signs of hope, no one can remain indifferent. That is why, once again, I appeal to the Israeli and Palestinian political leadership to set out anew on the path of sincere negotiation. I ask the international community to work with greater resolve in being present in the area, offering its mediation in order to create the conditions for a fruitful dialogue that will speed the process towards peace” Pope John Paul II, (Angelus message, 11 August 2002: ORE,21 August 2002, p. 12)..

 

 

Watch CBS Videos Online (Sorry about the advertisement)..When viewed in the light of the video clips below, (all part of the film “Occupation 101″), the Australian Governments position is clearly quite shameful.

Occupation 101, Part 1.

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Occupation 101, Part 2.

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Occupation 101, Part 3

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Occupation 101, Part 4

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Occupation 101, Part 5

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Occupation 101, Part 6

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Occupation 101, Part 7

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Occupation 101, Part 8

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Occupation 101, Part 9

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Occupation 101, Part 10.

 

What We Can Do..

  • Campaign for our present Government to move toward a more balanced position.
  • Support the Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions campaign. (Down load the manual from Australians for Palestine here).
  • Organise a presentation of the Anna Baltzer DVD for your church community, (contact Phil Jones for a copy, $15 + $2.20 postage or order it from the US)

Resources

  • Download the Kairos Palestine Document here. (The Kairos Palestine Document is a cry from the Christian leaders in Palestine for help).
  • “Witness in Palestine – A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories“, Anna Baltzer, Paradigm Publishers, London, 2007 (US$19.95)
  • “Palestine and Israel – 60 years of refugees, war and suffering”, Peter Manning, Catholic Social Justice Series No. 62, Australian Catholic Social Justice Council, 2008.

Interesting Websites

Anna Baltzer

Caritas Jerusalem

Applied Research Institute Jerusalem.

B’Tselem

The Electronic Intifada(US)

Australians for Palestine

Independent Australian Jewish Voices

Coalition for Justice and Peace in Palestine

Justice for Palestine Matters

Jewish Voice for Peace

Jews Against the Occupation – Sydney