Friends of Sabeel--North America Voice of the Palestinian Christians
To: President George W. Bush Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Members of United States Senate Members of House of Representative
From: Religious Leaders and Organizations of Greater Chicago
We are a coalition of faith-based organizations, religious leaders, and religiously identified organizations and individuals. We are Christians, Muslims and Jews from the Greater Chicago region. We represent communities with deep spiritual and family ties to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories and communities who are deeply concerned about the humanitarian crises stemming from Israel's 40-year long military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
We are calling on you, our country's leaders, to protest the Israeli government's decision of September 19, 2007, to declare Gaza a "hostile entity."
Israel claims that this designation gives it the freedom to cut electricity, fuel, and other basic necessities to the 1.5 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of whom are children and the majority of whom are impoverished. Some 1.2 million Gazans already depend on international food handouts to survive. Their situation has been made significantly worse by Israel's frequent prevention of vital supplies and services from entering Gaza. Through this new declaration, the Israeli government appears to be attempting to justify and gain political support for policies that already amount to the collective punishment of a whole population.
Secretary Rice has stated that the U.S. "will not abandon the innocent Palestinians in Gaza, and indeed will make every effort to deal with their humanitarian needs." How can this commitment be upheld if our government stands by silently while Israel moves to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza? If the United States is genuinely interested in fostering peace between Israelis and Palestinians, the Israeli action cannot stand without rebuke.
The Israeli government justifies its policies as a way to pressure Gazans to turn against those who fire crude homemade rockets into Israel. Indeed, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli communities are illegal and must be condemned. The firing of these Qassam rockets killed four Israelis in 2006-2007; at the same time Israeli missile strikes and military actions in civilian areas killed hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza, including at least 147 children. These illegal acts also deserve condemnation.
Israel's harsh strategy will only prejudice future negotiations to end the conflict, which needs unified and empowered Palestinian and Israeli leadership to reach a comprehensive peace agreement.
Therefore, we urge you to take immediate action to:
Call on the Israeli government to immediately rescind its decision to designate Gaza as a "hostile entity."
Demand that Israel's government fulfill its obligation as an occupying power under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure the welfare of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, notably its obligation to ensure the supply of essential necessities such as electrical power and to allow the movement of people and goods.
Remaining silent in the face of growing impoverishment and threats against the people of Gaza implies our consent. As people of faith and as Americans, we expect our government to support policies that foster peace and prosperity, not further violence and suffering in the Middle East.
Collection of signatures is in progress. If you wish to add your name, please contact lpollack@afsc.org <mailto:lpollack%40afsc.org> or call 312-427-2533 x26.
List of Signatories to Interfaith Letter
1. The Rev. Dr. Larry L. Greenfield Executive Minister American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago Co-Convener, Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy
2. The Rev. Cotton Fite, Ph.D. Priest Associate, St. Luke's Church, Evanston, IL
3. Michael McConnell, Regional Director Great Lakes Region American Friends Service Committee
4. Rev. Catiana McKay, Pastor United Church of Rogers Park Chair, Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns Northern Illinois Conference United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL
5. Elizabeth Mertic, Member Lake Forest Friends Meeting
6. Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid Chairman, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
7. Pauline M. Coffman, Ed.D. Member, Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery Oak Park, IL
8. Joyce M. Cassel Principal, Chicago Mennonite Learning Center
9. Newland F. Smith, 3rd Church Network for Education on Palestine, Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Peace and Justice Working Group
10. Delbert M. Leppke Working Group on the Middle East Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Metro Chicago Synod
11. Rev. Harold Vogelaar, Ph.D. Former Director: Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago
12. Rev. Susan B.W. Johnson Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago, IL
13. The Rev. Andrea C. White, Ph.D. Candidate The University of Chicago Divinity School Minister of Adult Religious Education The University of Chicago Rockefeller Memorial Chapel
14. The Rev. Rich Landers Hyde Park Union Church Chicago, IL
15. Rev. Robert V. Thompson Lake Street Church of Evanston Evanston, IL
16. The Rev. George V. Hudgins, III Pastor, Community Church of Wilmette Wilmette, IL
17. Rev. Dr. M.L. Codman-Wilson Sr. Pastor, Christ Community Church of Wheaton
18. Dieter R. Schulte Member, Working Group on the Middle East Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago Synod
19. Pam Edelmann Sall, Ebenezer Lutheran Church Middle East Working Group of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America
20. Rev. Phil Yetter, Pastor First Baptist Church of Berwyn, Berwyn, IL
21. Mary E. Anderson Church Women United Barrington, IL
22. Lynn Pollack Member, Jewish Voice for Peace Evanston, IL
23. Rev. Don Wagner Center for Middle Eastern Studies, North Park University Chicago, IL
24. Rev. Paul G. Palmer Pastor Emeritus Community Presbyterian Church Mount Prospect, IL
25. Rev. Dr. Sid L. Mohn
26. Martha Reese Member, First United Church of Oak Park (PCUSA/UCC), Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery River Forest, IL
27. Rev. Carol McVetty Northshore Baptist Church, Chicago, IL
28. The Rev. Jeffrey Doane Pastor, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church Chicago, IL
29. Rev. Jean Marie Duran Living Lord Lutheran Church, ELCA Bartlett, IL
30. The Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer St. John's Episcopal Church Chicago, IL
31. Tom Cordaro Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace Pax Christi Illinois
32. Edgar Hiestand Ecumenical/Interrel igious Office North Illinois Conference United MethodistChurch Oak Park, IL
33. Rev Beth Freese Dammers Pastor, Presbyterian Church (USA) First United Church of Oak Park Oak Park, IL
33. Orlando Redekopp Pastor, First Church of the Brethren Chicago, IL
34. Bob Selby, Chair Ministry for Peace and Justice HOPE United Church of Christ Naperville, IL
35. Rev. Paul A. Hottinger Naperville, IL
36. The Rev Alan L. Streyffeler Ordained clergyman of the United Methodist Church Naperville, IL
37. Joan Ehrenberg Unity Lutheran Church, Chicago and the ELCA Metro-Chicago Synod Working Group on the Middle East
38. Yali Amit Member, KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue
39. Lynn Kendall
40. Rev. Said Ailabouni Barrington, IL
41. David W. Doudt Chaplain, Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin
42. Duane Mevis Wesley United MethodistChurch Naperville, IL
43. Working Group on the Middle East Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago Synod
44. John Lengle and Donna Lengle Members, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren Elgin, IL
45. Rev. Calvin S. Morris, Ph.D. Community Renewal Society Chicago, IL
46. Jennifer Bing-Canar National Director, Middle East Peacebuilding Program, AFSC Chicago, IL
47. Bernard F. Reilly, Clerk Peace and Social Concerns Committee Evanston Friends Meeting
48. Jesse Bacon Steering Committee Member - Jewish Voice for Peace - Chicago Chicago, IL
50. Judith McAtee Member, Western Springs Presbyterian Church Western Springs, IL
51. David Boris Board Member, North Suburban Peace Initiative
52. Rev. David Bebb Jones Convener of the Middle East Task Force of the Presbytery
53. Caren Levy-Van Slyke Member, Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine
54. Joy Reis, member, Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago
55. Rabbi Roy Furman Religious Studies Department DePaul University Chicago, IL
56. Rabbi Brant Rosen Evanston, IL
57. Dr. Lauren Langman Member, Tikkun-Chicago
58 . Mary Sotir Member, St. Athanasius Peace and Justice Ministry Evanston, IL
59. Rev. Daniel Dale Wellington United Church of Christ, Chicago, IL
60. Rebekah Levin Member Secular Jewish Community and School of Oak Park Oak Park, IL
61. Rev. Paul S. Allen Pastor Emeritus, Winnetka Congregational Church Winnetka, IL
62. Thomas L. Garlitz Director Catholic Diocese of Joliet Peace and Social Justice Ministry
63. Rev. Dr. Jane Fisler Hoffman, IL Conference, United Church of Christ
64. Reverend Christopher L. Pierson Director of Connectional Ministries Northern Illinois Conference of the United MethodistChurch Elgin, IL
65. Mary Knightwright United Methodist Deacon Aurora, IL
66. The Rev Stephen H. Swanson Pastor St. Paul Lutheran Church Villa Park, IL
67. Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal, Dean 1220 S. 60th Court St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church
68. Rev. Fr. Mousa Haddad Church of the Virgin Mary Alsip, IL
69. Pastor John Stoltzfus Lombard Mennonite Church Lombard, IL
70. Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, PhD Dean of Students Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary Evanston, IL
71. Connie Baker President, Church Network for Education on Palestine Elmhurst, IL
72. Breeze Richardson Clerk, on behalf of the 57th St. Meeting of Friends Chicago, IL
73. Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director Council on American Islamic Relations Chicago, IL
Friends of Sabeel--North America PO Box 9186, Portland, OR 97207 FOSNA.org
Mcs
2007-11-29 01:50:35 EST
Tis very simple, stop the bombing, stop the terror, recognize Israel, and stop lobbing mortars over the border or is this too much realism to ask for? Maybe you can get Jimmy Carter to join you too? "Defendario" <Defendario@netscape.com> wrote in message news:5r6l2uF124lviU1@mid.individual.net... > Friends of Sabeel--North America > Voice of the Palestinian Christians > > To: President George W. Bush > Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice > Members of United States Senate > Members of House of Representative > > From: Religious Leaders and Organizations of Greater Chicago > > We are a coalition of faith-based organizations, religious leaders, > and religiously identified organizations and individuals. We are > Christians, Muslims and Jews from the Greater Chicago region. We > represent communities with deep spiritual and family ties to Israel > and the occupied Palestinian territories and communities who are > deeply concerned about the humanitarian crises stemming from Israel's > 40-year long military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. > > We are calling on you, our country's leaders, to protest the Israeli > government's decision of September 19, 2007, to declare Gaza a > "hostile entity." > > Israel claims that this designation gives it the freedom to cut > electricity, fuel, and other basic necessities to the 1.5 million > Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of whom are children and the > majority of whom are impoverished. Some 1.2 million Gazans already > depend on international food handouts to survive. Their situation has > been made significantly worse by Israel's frequent prevention of vital > supplies and services from entering Gaza. Through this new > declaration, the Israeli government appears to be attempting to > justify and gain political support for policies that already amount to > the collective punishment of a whole population. > > Secretary Rice has stated that the U.S. "will not abandon the innocent > Palestinians in Gaza, and indeed will make every effort to deal with > their humanitarian needs." How can this commitment be upheld if our > government stands by silently while Israel moves to exacerbate an > already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza? If the United States is > genuinely interested in fostering peace between Israelis and > Palestinians, the Israeli action cannot stand without rebuke. > > The Israeli government justifies its policies as a way to pressure > Gazans to turn against those who fire crude homemade rockets into > Israel. Indeed, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli communities are > illegal and must be condemned. The firing of these Qassam rockets > killed four Israelis in 2006-2007; at the same time Israeli missile > strikes and military actions in civilian areas killed hundreds of > Palestinians in Gaza, including at least 147 children. These illegal > acts also deserve condemnation. > > Israel's harsh strategy will only prejudice future negotiations to end > the conflict, which needs unified and empowered Palestinian and > Israeli leadership to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. > > Therefore, we urge you to take immediate action to: > > Call on the Israeli government to immediately rescind its decision to > designate Gaza as a "hostile entity." > > Demand that Israel's government fulfill its obligation as an occupying > power under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure > the welfare of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, notably > its obligation to ensure the supply of essential necessities such as > electrical power and to allow the movement of people and goods. > > Remaining silent in the face of growing impoverishment and threats > against the people of Gaza implies our consent. As people of faith > and as Americans, we expect our government to support policies that > foster peace and prosperity, not further violence and suffering in the > Middle East. > > Collection of signatures is in progress. If you wish to add your > name, please contact lpollack@afsc.org <mailto:lpollack%40afsc.org> or > call 312-427-2533 x26. > > List of Signatories to Interfaith Letter > > 1. The Rev. Dr. Larry L. Greenfield > Executive Minister > American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago > Co-Convener, Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy > > 2. The Rev. Cotton Fite, Ph.D. > Priest Associate, St. Luke's Church, Evanston, IL > > 3. Michael McConnell, Regional Director > Great Lakes Region > American Friends Service Committee > > 4. Rev. Catiana McKay, Pastor > United Church of Rogers Park > Chair, Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns > Northern Illinois Conference > United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL > > 5. Elizabeth Mertic, Member > Lake Forest Friends Meeting > > 6. Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid > Chairman, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago > > 7. Pauline M. Coffman, Ed.D. > Member, Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery > Oak Park, IL > > 8. Joyce M. Cassel > Principal, Chicago Mennonite Learning Center > > 9. Newland F. Smith, 3rd > Church Network for Education on Palestine, > Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Peace and Justice Working Group > > 10. Delbert M. Leppke > Working Group on the Middle East > Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Metro Chicago > Synod > > 11. Rev. Harold Vogelaar, Ph.D. > Former Director: Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and > Justice > The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago > > 12. Rev. Susan B.W. Johnson > Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago, IL > > 13. The Rev. Andrea C. White, Ph.D. Candidate > The University of Chicago Divinity School > Minister of Adult Religious Education > The University of Chicago > Rockefeller Memorial Chapel > > 14. The Rev. Rich Landers > Hyde Park Union Church > Chicago, IL > > 15. Rev. Robert V. Thompson > Lake Street Church of Evanston > Evanston, IL > > 16. The Rev. George V. Hudgins, III > Pastor, Community Church of Wilmette > Wilmette, IL > > 17. Rev. Dr. M.L. Codman-Wilson > Sr. Pastor, Christ Community Church of Wheaton > > 18. Dieter R. Schulte > Member, Working Group on the Middle East > Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago > Synod > > 19. Pam Edelmann Sall, Ebenezer Lutheran Church > Middle East Working Group of the Metropolitan Chicago > Synod of the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America > > 20. Rev. Phil Yetter, Pastor > First Baptist Church of Berwyn, Berwyn, IL > > 21. Mary E. Anderson > Church Women United > Barrington, IL > > 22. Lynn Pollack > Member, Jewish Voice for Peace > Evanston, IL > > 23. Rev. Don Wagner > Center for Middle Eastern Studies, North Park University > Chicago, IL > > 24. Rev. Paul G. Palmer > Pastor Emeritus > Community Presbyterian Church > Mount Prospect, IL > > 25. Rev. Dr. Sid L. Mohn > > 26. Martha Reese > Member, First United Church of Oak Park (PCUSA/UCC), > Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery > River Forest, IL > > 27. Rev. Carol McVetty > Northshore Baptist Church, Chicago, IL > > 28. The Rev. Jeffrey Doane > Pastor, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church > Chicago, IL > > 29. Rev. Jean Marie Duran > Living Lord Lutheran Church, ELCA > Bartlett, IL > > 30. The Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer > St. John's Episcopal Church > Chicago, IL > > 31. Tom Cordaro > Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace > Pax Christi Illinois > > 32. Edgar Hiestand > Ecumenical/Interrel > igious Office > North Illinois Conference United MethodistChurch > Oak Park, IL > > 33. Rev Beth Freese Dammers > Pastor, Presbyterian Church (USA) > First United Church of Oak Park > Oak Park, IL > > 33. Orlando Redekopp > Pastor, First Church of the Brethren > Chicago, IL > > 34. Bob Selby, Chair > Ministry for Peace and Justice > HOPE United Church of Christ > Naperville, IL > > 35. Rev. Paul A. Hottinger > Naperville, IL > > 36. The Rev Alan L. Streyffeler > Ordained clergyman of the United Methodist Church > Naperville, IL > > 37. Joan Ehrenberg > Unity Lutheran Church, Chicago and the ELCA Metro-Chicago Synod > Working > Group on the Middle East > > 38. Yali Amit > Member, KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue > > 39. Lynn Kendall > > 40. Rev. Said Ailabouni > Barrington, IL > > 41. David W. Doudt > Chaplain, Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin > > 42. Duane Mevis > Wesley United MethodistChurch > Naperville, IL > > 43. Working Group on the Middle East > Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago Synod > > 44. John Lengle and Donna Lengle > Members, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren > Elgin, IL > > 45. Rev. Calvin S. Morris, Ph.D. > Community Renewal Society > Chicago, IL > > 46. Jennifer Bing-Canar > National Director, Middle East Peacebuilding Program, AFSC > Chicago, IL > > 47. Bernard F. Reilly, Clerk > Peace and Social Concerns Committee > Evanston Friends Meeting > > 48. Jesse Bacon > Steering Committee Member - Jewish Voice for Peace - Chicago > Chicago, IL > > 50. Judith McAtee > Member, Western Springs Presbyterian Church > Western Springs, IL > > 51. David Boris > Board Member, North Suburban Peace Initiative > > 52. Rev. David Bebb Jones > Convener of the Middle East Task Force of the Presbytery > > 53. Caren Levy-Van Slyke > Member, Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine > > 54. Joy Reis, member, Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago > > 55. Rabbi Roy Furman > Religious Studies Department > DePaul University > Chicago, IL > > 56. Rabbi Brant Rosen > Evanston, IL > > 57. Dr. Lauren Langman > Member, Tikkun-Chicago > > 58 . Mary Sotir > Member, St. Athanasius Peace and Justice Ministry > Evanston, IL > > 59. Rev. Daniel Dale > Wellington United Church of Christ, > Chicago, IL > > 60. Rebekah Levin > Member Secular Jewish Community and School of Oak Park > Oak Park, IL > > 61. Rev. Paul S. Allen > Pastor Emeritus, Winnetka Congregational Church > Winnetka, IL > > 62. Thomas L. Garlitz > Director > Catholic Diocese of Joliet Peace and Social Justice > Ministry > > 63. Rev. Dr. Jane Fisler Hoffman, > IL Conference, United Church of Christ > > 64. Reverend Christopher L. Pierson > Director of Connectional Ministries > Northern Illinois Conference of the United MethodistChurch > Elgin, IL > > 65. Mary Knightwright > United Methodist Deacon > Aurora, IL > > 66. The Rev Stephen H. Swanson > Pastor St. Paul Lutheran Church > Villa Park, IL > > 67. Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal, Dean > 1220 S. 60th Court > St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church > > 68. Rev. Fr. Mousa Haddad > Church of the Virgin Mary > Alsip, IL > > 69. Pastor John Stoltzfus > Lombard Mennonite Church > Lombard, IL > > 70. Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, PhD > Dean of Students > Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary > Evanston, IL > > 71. Connie Baker > President, Church Network for Education on Palestine > Elmhurst, IL > > 72. Breeze Richardson > Clerk, on behalf of the 57th St. Meeting of Friends > Chicago, IL > > 73. Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director > Council on American Islamic Relations > Chicago, IL > > Friends of Sabeel--North America > PO Box 9186, Portland, OR 97207 > FOSNA.org
Defendario
2007-11-29 10:23:09 EST
mcs wrote: > Tis very simple, stop the bombing
So simple, to a simpleton.
> stop the terror
Who terrorizes who more? Who gets killed more frequently?
> recognize Israel
Recognize the human rights of Palestinians, to live in freedom from fear and military oppression.
> and > stop lobbing mortars over the border
Stop your "targeted assassinations" you filthy criminal.
> or is this too much realism to ask for?
Who's reality?
Try this link for a little bit of it: http://www.aztlan.net/holocoust.htm
> Maybe you can get Jimmy Carter to join you too?
Yes, I would hope so! I will be proud to stand together with an honest man, and a patriotic American like Jimmy Carter.
You, OTOH, I'd rather take out with the trash. Aliya, already.
> "Defendario" <Defendario@netscape.com> wrote in message > news:5r6l2uF124lviU1@mid.individual.net... >> Friends of Sabeel--North America >> Voice of the Palestinian Christians >> >> To: President George W. Bush >> Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice >> Members of United States Senate >> Members of House of Representative >> >> From: Religious Leaders and Organizations of Greater Chicago >> >> We are a coalition of faith-based organizations, religious leaders, >> and religiously identified organizations and individuals. We are >> Christians, Muslims and Jews from the Greater Chicago region. We >> represent communities with deep spiritual and family ties to Israel >> and the occupied Palestinian territories and communities who are >> deeply concerned about the humanitarian crises stemming from Israel's >> 40-year long military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. >> >> We are calling on you, our country's leaders, to protest the Israeli >> government's decision of September 19, 2007, to declare Gaza a >> "hostile entity." >> >> Israel claims that this designation gives it the freedom to cut >> electricity, fuel, and other basic necessities to the 1.5 million >> Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of whom are children and the >> majority of whom are impoverished. Some 1.2 million Gazans already >> depend on international food handouts to survive. Their situation has >> been made significantly worse by Israel's frequent prevention of vital >> supplies and services from entering Gaza. Through this new >> declaration, the Israeli government appears to be attempting to >> justify and gain political support for policies that already amount to >> the collective punishment of a whole population. >> >> Secretary Rice has stated that the U.S. "will not abandon the innocent >> Palestinians in Gaza, and indeed will make every effort to deal with >> their humanitarian needs." How can this commitment be upheld if our >> government stands by silently while Israel moves to exacerbate an >> already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza? If the United States is >> genuinely interested in fostering peace between Israelis and >> Palestinians, the Israeli action cannot stand without rebuke. >> >> The Israeli government justifies its policies as a way to pressure >> Gazans to turn against those who fire crude homemade rockets into >> Israel. Indeed, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli communities are >> illegal and must be condemned. The firing of these Qassam rockets >> killed four Israelis in 2006-2007; at the same time Israeli missile >> strikes and military actions in civilian areas killed hundreds of >> Palestinians in Gaza, including at least 147 children. These illegal >> acts also deserve condemnation. >> >> Israel's harsh strategy will only prejudice future negotiations to end >> the conflict, which needs unified and empowered Palestinian and >> Israeli leadership to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. >> >> Therefore, we urge you to take immediate action to: >> >> Call on the Israeli government to immediately rescind its decision to >> designate Gaza as a "hostile entity." >> >> Demand that Israel's government fulfill its obligation as an occupying >> power under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure >> the welfare of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, notably >> its obligation to ensure the supply of essential necessities such as >> electrical power and to allow the movement of people and goods. >> >> Remaining silent in the face of growing impoverishment and threats >> against the people of Gaza implies our consent. As people of faith >> and as Americans, we expect our government to support policies that >> foster peace and prosperity, not further violence and suffering in the >> Middle East. >> >> Collection of signatures is in progress. If you wish to add your >> name, please contact lpollack@afsc.org <mailto:lpollack%40afsc.org> or >> call 312-427-2533 x26. >> >> List of Signatories to Interfaith Letter >> >> 1. The Rev. Dr. Larry L. Greenfield >> Executive Minister >> American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago >> Co-Convener, Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy >> >> 2. The Rev. Cotton Fite, Ph.D. >> Priest Associate, St. Luke's Church, Evanston, IL >> >> 3. Michael McConnell, Regional Director >> Great Lakes Region >> American Friends Service Committee >> >> 4. Rev. Catiana McKay, Pastor >> United Church of Rogers Park >> Chair, Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns >> Northern Illinois Conference >> United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL >> >> 5. Elizabeth Mertic, Member >> Lake Forest Friends Meeting >> >> 6. Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid >> Chairman, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago >> >> 7. Pauline M. Coffman, Ed.D. >> Member, Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery >> Oak Park, IL >> >> 8. Joyce M. Cassel >> Principal, Chicago Mennonite Learning Center >> >> 9. Newland F. Smith, 3rd >> Church Network for Education on Palestine, >> Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Peace and Justice Working Group >> >> 10. Delbert M. Leppke >> Working Group on the Middle East >> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Metro Chicago >> Synod >> >> 11. Rev. Harold Vogelaar, Ph.D. >> Former Director: Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and >> Justice >> The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago >> >> 12. Rev. Susan B.W. Johnson >> Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago, IL >> >> 13. The Rev. Andrea C. White, Ph.D. Candidate >> The University of Chicago Divinity School >> Minister of Adult Religious Education >> The University of Chicago >> Rockefeller Memorial Chapel >> >> 14. The Rev. Rich Landers >> Hyde Park Union Church >> Chicago, IL >> >> 15. Rev. Robert V. Thompson >> Lake Street Church of Evanston >> Evanston, IL >> >> 16. The Rev. George V. Hudgins, III >> Pastor, Community Church of Wilmette >> Wilmette, IL >> >> 17. Rev. Dr. M.L. Codman-Wilson >> Sr. Pastor, Christ Community Church of Wheaton >> >> 18. Dieter R. Schulte >> Member, Working Group on the Middle East >> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago >> Synod >> >> 19. Pam Edelmann Sall, Ebenezer Lutheran Church >> Middle East Working Group of the Metropolitan Chicago >> Synod of the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America >> >> 20. Rev. Phil Yetter, Pastor >> First Baptist Church of Berwyn, Berwyn, IL >> >> 21. Mary E. Anderson >> Church Women United >> Barrington, IL >> >> 22. Lynn Pollack >> Member, Jewish Voice for Peace >> Evanston, IL >> >> 23. Rev. Don Wagner >> Center for Middle Eastern Studies, North Park University >> Chicago, IL >> >> 24. Rev. Paul G. Palmer >> Pastor Emeritus >> Community Presbyterian Church >> Mount Prospect, IL >> >> 25. Rev. Dr. Sid L. Mohn >> >> 26. Martha Reese >> Member, First United Church of Oak Park (PCUSA/UCC), >> Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery >> River Forest, IL >> >> 27. Rev. Carol McVetty >> Northshore Baptist Church, Chicago, IL >> >> 28. The Rev. Jeffrey Doane >> Pastor, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church >> Chicago, IL >> >> 29. Rev. Jean Marie Duran >> Living Lord Lutheran Church, ELCA >> Bartlett, IL >> >> 30. The Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer >> St. John's Episcopal Church >> Chicago, IL >> >> 31. Tom Cordaro >> Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace >> Pax Christi Illinois >> >> 32. Edgar Hiestand >> Ecumenical/Interrel >> igious Office >> North Illinois Conference United MethodistChurch >> Oak Park, IL >> >> 33. Rev Beth Freese Dammers >> Pastor, Presbyterian Church (USA) >> First United Church of Oak Park >> Oak Park, IL >> >> 33. Orlando Redekopp >> Pastor, First Church of the Brethren >> Chicago, IL >> >> 34. Bob Selby, Chair >> Ministry for Peace and Justice >> HOPE United Church of Christ >> Naperville, IL >> >> 35. Rev. Paul A. Hottinger >> Naperville, IL >> >> 36. The Rev Alan L. Streyffeler >> Ordained clergyman of the United Methodist Church >> Naperville, IL >> >> 37. Joan Ehrenberg >> Unity Lutheran Church, Chicago and the ELCA Metro-Chicago Synod >> Working >> Group on the Middle East >> >> 38. Yali Amit >> Member, KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue >> >> 39. Lynn Kendall >> >> 40. Rev. Said Ailabouni >> Barrington, IL >> >> 41. David W. Doudt >> Chaplain, Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin >> >> 42. Duane Mevis >> Wesley United MethodistChurch >> Naperville, IL >> >> 43. Working Group on the Middle East >> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago Synod >> >> 44. John Lengle and Donna Lengle >> Members, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren >> Elgin, IL >> >> 45. Rev. Calvin S. Morris, Ph.D. >> Community Renewal Society >> Chicago, IL >> >> 46. Jennifer Bing-Canar >> National Director, Middle East Peacebuilding Program, AFSC >> Chicago, IL >> >> 47. Bernard F. Reilly, Clerk >> Peace and Social Concerns Committee >> Evanston Friends Meeting >> >> 48. Jesse Bacon >> Steering Committee Member - Jewish Voice for Peace - Chicago >> Chicago, IL >> >> 50. Judith McAtee >> Member, Western Springs Presbyterian Church >> Western Springs, IL >> >> 51. David Boris >> Board Member, North Suburban Peace Initiative >> >> 52. Rev. David Bebb Jones >> Convener of the Middle East Task Force of the Presbytery >> >> 53. Caren Levy-Van Slyke >> Member, Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine >> >> 54. Joy Reis, member, Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago >> >> 55. Rabbi Roy Furman >> Religious Studies Department >> DePaul University >> Chicago, IL >> >> 56. Rabbi Brant Rosen >> Evanston, IL >> >> 57. Dr. Lauren Langman >> Member, Tikkun-Chicago >> >> 58 . Mary Sotir >> Member, St. Athanasius Peace and Justice Ministry >> Evanston, IL >> >> 59. Rev. Daniel Dale >> Wellington United Church of Christ, >> Chicago, IL >> >> 60. Rebekah Levin >> Member Secular Jewish Community and School of Oak Park >> Oak Park, IL >> >> 61. Rev. Paul S. Allen >> Pastor Emeritus, Winnetka Congregational Church >> Winnetka, IL >> >> 62. Thomas L. Garlitz >> Director >> Catholic Diocese of Joliet Peace and Social Justice >> Ministry >> >> 63. Rev. Dr. Jane Fisler Hoffman, >> IL Conference, United Church of Christ >> >> 64. Reverend Christopher L. Pierson >> Director of Connectional Ministries >> Northern Illinois Conference of the United MethodistChurch >> Elgin, IL >> >> 65. Mary Knightwright >> United Methodist Deacon >> Aurora, IL >> >> 66. The Rev Stephen H. Swanson >> Pastor St. Paul Lutheran Church >> Villa Park, IL >> >> 67. Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal, Dean >> 1220 S. 60th Court >> St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church >> >> 68. Rev. Fr. Mousa Haddad >> Church of the Virgin Mary >> Alsip, IL >> >> 69. Pastor John Stoltzfus >> Lombard Mennonite Church >> Lombard, IL >> >> 70. Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, PhD >> Dean of Students >> Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary >> Evanston, IL >> >> 71. Connie Baker >> President, Church Network for Education on Palestine >> Elmhurst, IL >> >> 72. Breeze Richardson >> Clerk, on behalf of the 57th St. Meeting of Friends >> Chicago, IL >> >> 73. Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director >> Council on American Islamic Relations >> Chicago, IL >> >> Friends of Sabeel--North America >> PO Box 9186, Portland, OR 97207 >> FOSNA.org > >
Al Smith
2007-11-29 10:50:30 EST
> Recognize the human rights of Palestinians, to live in freedom from fear and military oppression. > >> and stop lobbing mortars over the border > > Stop your "targeted assassinations" you filthy criminal.
The whole "Palestinians are firing rockets at us" argument is so weak and so old, I'm surprised the Zionists even try to use it any more. Of course the Palestinians are firing rockets at Israel, since Israel is bulldozing their houses and murdering their children. What else would anyone expect the Palestinians to do?
The good news is, more and more people are awakening to the real situation in the Middle East, and are seeing Israel as the problem. This is largely due to the Internet, which allows free speech that the Jewish-controlled media cannot smother.
-Al-
Defendario
2007-11-29 11:08:12 EST
Al Smith wrote: >> Recognize the human rights of Palestinians, to live in freedom from >> fear and military oppression. >> >>> and stop lobbing mortars over the border >> >> Stop your "targeted assassinations" you filthy criminal. > > > The whole "Palestinians are firing rockets at us" argument is so weak > and so old, I'm surprised the Zionists even try to use it any more. Of > course the Palestinians are firing rockets at Israel, since Israel is > bulldozing their houses and murdering their children. What else would > anyone expect the Palestinians to do? >
Human wave attacks with machetes and spears if nothing better were available. At least you can go out with your boots on.
> The good news is, more and more people are awakening to the real > situation in the Middle East, and are seeing Israel as the problem. This > is largely due to the Internet, which allows free speech that the > Jewish-controlled media cannot smother. >
Long live free speech. When enough people are aware of truth, logical policies will follow.
> -Al-
Mcs
2007-11-29 21:08:47 EST
Tis very simple. stop lobbing mortars and the stuff will stop. but you and i both know that they are allowed to fire at will and promise to not stop then demand Rice to blame Israel.. sounds crazier by the minute.
"Defendario" <Defendario@netscape.com> wrote in message news:5r8411F137ancU1@mid.individual.net... > mcs wrote: >> Tis very simple, stop the bombing > > So simple, to a simpleton. > >> stop the terror > > Who terrorizes who more? Who gets killed more frequently? > >> recognize Israel > > Recognize the human rights of Palestinians, to live in freedom from fear > and military oppression. > >> and stop lobbing mortars over the border > > Stop your "targeted assassinations" you filthy criminal. > >> or is this too much realism to ask for? > > Who's reality? > > Try this link for a little bit of it: > http://www.aztlan.net/holocoust.htm > >> Maybe you can get Jimmy Carter to join you too? > > Yes, I would hope so! I will be proud to stand together with an honest > man, and a patriotic American like Jimmy Carter. > > You, OTOH, I'd rather take out with the trash. Aliya, already. > >> "Defendario" <Defendario@netscape.com> wrote in message >> news:5r6l2uF124lviU1@mid.individual.net... >>> Friends of Sabeel--North America >>> Voice of the Palestinian Christians >>> >>> To: President George W. Bush >>> Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice >>> Members of United States Senate >>> Members of House of Representative >>> >>> From: Religious Leaders and Organizations of Greater Chicago >>> >>> We are a coalition of faith-based organizations, religious leaders, >>> and religiously identified organizations and individuals. We are >>> Christians, Muslims and Jews from the Greater Chicago region. We >>> represent communities with deep spiritual and family ties to Israel >>> and the occupied Palestinian territories and communities who are >>> deeply concerned about the humanitarian crises stemming from Israel's >>> 40-year long military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. >>> >>> We are calling on you, our country's leaders, to protest the Israeli >>> government's decision of September 19, 2007, to declare Gaza a >>> "hostile entity." >>> >>> Israel claims that this designation gives it the freedom to cut >>> electricity, fuel, and other basic necessities to the 1.5 million >>> Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of whom are children and the >>> majority of whom are impoverished. Some 1.2 million Gazans already >>> depend on international food handouts to survive. Their situation has >>> been made significantly worse by Israel's frequent prevention of vital >>> supplies and services from entering Gaza. Through this new >>> declaration, the Israeli government appears to be attempting to >>> justify and gain political support for policies that already amount to >>> the collective punishment of a whole population. >>> >>> Secretary Rice has stated that the U.S. "will not abandon the innocent >>> Palestinians in Gaza, and indeed will make every effort to deal with >>> their humanitarian needs." How can this commitment be upheld if our >>> government stands by silently while Israel moves to exacerbate an >>> already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza? If the United States is >>> genuinely interested in fostering peace between Israelis and >>> Palestinians, the Israeli action cannot stand without rebuke. >>> >>> The Israeli government justifies its policies as a way to pressure >>> Gazans to turn against those who fire crude homemade rockets into >>> Israel. Indeed, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli communities are >>> illegal and must be condemned. The firing of these Qassam rockets >>> killed four Israelis in 2006-2007; at the same time Israeli missile >>> strikes and military actions in civilian areas killed hundreds of >>> Palestinians in Gaza, including at least 147 children. These illegal >>> acts also deserve condemnation. >>> >>> Israel's harsh strategy will only prejudice future negotiations to end >>> the conflict, which needs unified and empowered Palestinian and >>> Israeli leadership to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. >>> >>> Therefore, we urge you to take immediate action to: >>> >>> Call on the Israeli government to immediately rescind its decision to >>> designate Gaza as a "hostile entity." >>> >>> Demand that Israel's government fulfill its obligation as an occupying >>> power under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure >>> the welfare of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, notably >>> its obligation to ensure the supply of essential necessities such as >>> electrical power and to allow the movement of people and goods. >>> >>> Remaining silent in the face of growing impoverishment and threats >>> against the people of Gaza implies our consent. As people of faith >>> and as Americans, we expect our government to support policies that >>> foster peace and prosperity, not further violence and suffering in the >>> Middle East. >>> >>> Collection of signatures is in progress. If you wish to add your >>> name, please contact lpollack@afsc.org <mailto:lpollack%40afsc.org> or >>> call 312-427-2533 x26. >>> >>> List of Signatories to Interfaith Letter >>> >>> 1. The Rev. Dr. Larry L. Greenfield >>> Executive Minister >>> American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago >>> Co-Convener, Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy >>> >>> 2. The Rev. Cotton Fite, Ph.D. >>> Priest Associate, St. Luke's Church, Evanston, IL >>> >>> 3. Michael McConnell, Regional Director >>> Great Lakes Region >>> American Friends Service Committee >>> >>> 4. Rev. Catiana McKay, Pastor >>> United Church of Rogers Park >>> Chair, Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns >>> Northern Illinois Conference >>> United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL >>> >>> 5. Elizabeth Mertic, Member >>> Lake Forest Friends Meeting >>> >>> 6. Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid >>> Chairman, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago >>> >>> 7. Pauline M. Coffman, Ed.D. >>> Member, Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery >>> Oak Park, IL >>> >>> 8. Joyce M. Cassel >>> Principal, Chicago Mennonite Learning Center >>> >>> 9. Newland F. Smith, 3rd >>> Church Network for Education on Palestine, >>> Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Peace and Justice Working Group >>> >>> 10. Delbert M. Leppke >>> Working Group on the Middle East >>> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Metro Chicago >>> Synod >>> >>> 11. Rev. Harold Vogelaar, Ph.D. >>> Former Director: Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and >>> Justice >>> The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago >>> >>> 12. Rev. Susan B.W. Johnson >>> Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago, IL >>> >>> 13. The Rev. Andrea C. White, Ph.D. Candidate >>> The University of Chicago Divinity School >>> Minister of Adult Religious Education >>> The University of Chicago >>> Rockefeller Memorial Chapel >>> >>> 14. The Rev. Rich Landers >>> Hyde Park Union Church >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 15. Rev. Robert V. Thompson >>> Lake Street Church of Evanston >>> Evanston, IL >>> >>> 16. The Rev. George V. Hudgins, III >>> Pastor, Community Church of Wilmette >>> Wilmette, IL >>> >>> 17. Rev. Dr. M.L. Codman-Wilson >>> Sr. Pastor, Christ Community Church of Wheaton >>> >>> 18. Dieter R. Schulte >>> Member, Working Group on the Middle East >>> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago >>> Synod >>> >>> 19. Pam Edelmann Sall, Ebenezer Lutheran Church >>> Middle East Working Group of the Metropolitan Chicago >>> Synod of the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America >>> >>> 20. Rev. Phil Yetter, Pastor >>> First Baptist Church of Berwyn, Berwyn, IL >>> >>> 21. Mary E. Anderson >>> Church Women United >>> Barrington, IL >>> >>> 22. Lynn Pollack >>> Member, Jewish Voice for Peace >>> Evanston, IL >>> >>> 23. Rev. Don Wagner >>> Center for Middle Eastern Studies, North Park University >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 24. Rev. Paul G. Palmer >>> Pastor Emeritus >>> Community Presbyterian Church >>> Mount Prospect, IL >>> >>> 25. Rev. Dr. Sid L. Mohn >>> >>> 26. Martha Reese >>> Member, First United Church of Oak Park (PCUSA/UCC), >>> Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery >>> River Forest, IL >>> >>> 27. Rev. Carol McVetty >>> Northshore Baptist Church, Chicago, IL >>> >>> 28. The Rev. Jeffrey Doane >>> Pastor, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 29. Rev. Jean Marie Duran >>> Living Lord Lutheran Church, ELCA >>> Bartlett, IL >>> >>> 30. The Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer >>> St. John's Episcopal Church >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 31. Tom Cordaro >>> Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace >>> Pax Christi Illinois >>> >>> 32. Edgar Hiestand >>> Ecumenical/Interrel >>> igious Office >>> North Illinois Conference United MethodistChurch >>> Oak Park, IL >>> >>> 33. Rev Beth Freese Dammers >>> Pastor, Presbyterian Church (USA) >>> First United Church of Oak Park >>> Oak Park, IL >>> >>> 33. Orlando Redekopp >>> Pastor, First Church of the Brethren >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 34. Bob Selby, Chair >>> Ministry for Peace and Justice >>> HOPE United Church of Christ >>> Naperville, IL >>> >>> 35. Rev. Paul A. Hottinger >>> Naperville, IL >>> >>> 36. The Rev Alan L. Streyffeler >>> Ordained clergyman of the United Methodist Church >>> Naperville, IL >>> >>> 37. Joan Ehrenberg >>> Unity Lutheran Church, Chicago and the ELCA Metro-Chicago Synod >>> Working >>> Group on the Middle East >>> >>> 38. Yali Amit >>> Member, KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue >>> >>> 39. Lynn Kendall >>> >>> 40. Rev. Said Ailabouni >>> Barrington, IL >>> >>> 41. David W. Doudt >>> Chaplain, Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin >>> >>> 42. Duane Mevis >>> Wesley United MethodistChurch >>> Naperville, IL >>> >>> 43. Working Group on the Middle East >>> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago Synod >>> >>> 44. John Lengle and Donna Lengle >>> Members, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren >>> Elgin, IL >>> >>> 45. Rev. Calvin S. Morris, Ph.D. >>> Community Renewal Society >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 46. Jennifer Bing-Canar >>> National Director, Middle East Peacebuilding Program, AFSC >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 47. Bernard F. Reilly, Clerk >>> Peace and Social Concerns Committee >>> Evanston Friends Meeting >>> >>> 48. Jesse Bacon >>> Steering Committee Member - Jewish Voice for Peace - Chicago >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 50. Judith McAtee >>> Member, Western Springs Presbyterian Church >>> Western Springs, IL >>> >>> 51. David Boris >>> Board Member, North Suburban Peace Initiative >>> >>> 52. Rev. David Bebb Jones >>> Convener of the Middle East Task Force of the Presbytery >>> >>> 53. Caren Levy-Van Slyke >>> Member, Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine >>> >>> 54. Joy Reis, member, Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago >>> >>> 55. Rabbi Roy Furman >>> Religious Studies Department >>> DePaul University >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 56. Rabbi Brant Rosen >>> Evanston, IL >>> >>> 57. Dr. Lauren Langman >>> Member, Tikkun-Chicago >>> >>> 58 . Mary Sotir >>> Member, St. Athanasius Peace and Justice Ministry >>> Evanston, IL >>> >>> 59. Rev. Daniel Dale >>> Wellington United Church of Christ, >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 60. Rebekah Levin >>> Member Secular Jewish Community and School of Oak Park >>> Oak Park, IL >>> >>> 61. Rev. Paul S. Allen >>> Pastor Emeritus, Winnetka Congregational Church >>> Winnetka, IL >>> >>> 62. Thomas L. Garlitz >>> Director >>> Catholic Diocese of Joliet Peace and Social Justice >>> Ministry >>> >>> 63. Rev. Dr. Jane Fisler Hoffman, >>> IL Conference, United Church of Christ >>> >>> 64. Reverend Christopher L. Pierson >>> Director of Connectional Ministries >>> Northern Illinois Conference of the United MethodistChurch >>> Elgin, IL >>> >>> 65. Mary Knightwright >>> United Methodist Deacon >>> Aurora, IL >>> >>> 66. The Rev Stephen H. Swanson >>> Pastor St. Paul Lutheran Church >>> Villa Park, IL >>> >>> 67. Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal, Dean >>> 1220 S. 60th Court >>> St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church >>> >>> 68. Rev. Fr. Mousa Haddad >>> Church of the Virgin Mary >>> Alsip, IL >>> >>> 69. Pastor John Stoltzfus >>> Lombard Mennonite Church >>> Lombard, IL >>> >>> 70. Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, PhD >>> Dean of Students >>> Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary >>> Evanston, IL >>> >>> 71. Connie Baker >>> President, Church Network for Education on Palestine >>> Elmhurst, IL >>> >>> 72. Breeze Richardson >>> Clerk, on behalf of the 57th St. Meeting of Friends >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> 73. Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director >>> Council on American Islamic Relations >>> Chicago, IL >>> >>> Friends of Sabeel--North America >>> PO Box 9186, Portland, OR 97207 >>> FOSNA.org >>
Defendario
2007-11-30 01:12:41 EST
mcs wrote: > Tis very simple. <ka-splat>
STFU Simpleton!
> sounds crazier by the minute. >
And How! Shaddup, already!
;D
> > > "Defendario" <Defendario@netscape.com> wrote in message > news:5r8411F137ancU1@mid.individual.net... >> mcs wrote: >>> Tis very simple, stop the bombing >> So simple, to a simpleton. >> >>> stop the terror >> Who terrorizes who more? Who gets killed more frequently? >> >>> recognize Israel >> Recognize the human rights of Palestinians, to live in freedom from fear >> and military oppression. >> >>> and stop lobbing mortars over the border >> Stop your "targeted assassinations" you filthy criminal. >> >>> or is this too much realism to ask for? >> Who's reality? >> >> Try this link for a little bit of it: >> http://www.aztlan.net/holocoust.htm >> >>> Maybe you can get Jimmy Carter to join you too? >> Yes, I would hope so! I will be proud to stand together with an honest >> man, and a patriotic American like Jimmy Carter. >> >> You, OTOH, I'd rather take out with the trash. Aliya, already. >> >>> "Defendario" <Defendario@netscape.com> wrote in message >>> news:5r6l2uF124lviU1@mid.individual.net... >>>> Friends of Sabeel--North America >>>> Voice of the Palestinian Christians >>>> >>>> To: President George W. Bush >>>> Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice >>>> Members of United States Senate >>>> Members of House of Representative >>>> >>>> From: Religious Leaders and Organizations of Greater Chicago >>>> >>>> We are a coalition of faith-based organizations, religious leaders, >>>> and religiously identified organizations and individuals. We are >>>> Christians, Muslims and Jews from the Greater Chicago region. We >>>> represent communities with deep spiritual and family ties to Israel >>>> and the occupied Palestinian territories and communities who are >>>> deeply concerned about the humanitarian crises stemming from Israel's >>>> 40-year long military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. >>>> >>>> We are calling on you, our country's leaders, to protest the Israeli >>>> government's decision of September 19, 2007, to declare Gaza a >>>> "hostile entity." >>>> >>>> Israel claims that this designation gives it the freedom to cut >>>> electricity, fuel, and other basic necessities to the 1.5 million >>>> Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, half of whom are children and the >>>> majority of whom are impoverished. Some 1.2 million Gazans already >>>> depend on international food handouts to survive. Their situation has >>>> been made significantly worse by Israel's frequent prevention of vital >>>> supplies and services from entering Gaza. Through this new >>>> declaration, the Israeli government appears to be attempting to >>>> justify and gain political support for policies that already amount to >>>> the collective punishment of a whole population. >>>> >>>> Secretary Rice has stated that the U.S. "will not abandon the innocent >>>> Palestinians in Gaza, and indeed will make every effort to deal with >>>> their humanitarian needs." How can this commitment be upheld if our >>>> government stands by silently while Israel moves to exacerbate an >>>> already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza? If the United States is >>>> genuinely interested in fostering peace between Israelis and >>>> Palestinians, the Israeli action cannot stand without rebuke. >>>> >>>> The Israeli government justifies its policies as a way to pressure >>>> Gazans to turn against those who fire crude homemade rockets into >>>> Israel. Indeed, Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli communities are >>>> illegal and must be condemned. The firing of these Qassam rockets >>>> killed four Israelis in 2006-2007; at the same time Israeli missile >>>> strikes and military actions in civilian areas killed hundreds of >>>> Palestinians in Gaza, including at least 147 children. These illegal >>>> acts also deserve condemnation. >>>> >>>> Israel's harsh strategy will only prejudice future negotiations to end >>>> the conflict, which needs unified and empowered Palestinian and >>>> Israeli leadership to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. >>>> >>>> Therefore, we urge you to take immediate action to: >>>> >>>> Call on the Israeli government to immediately rescind its decision to >>>> designate Gaza as a "hostile entity." >>>> >>>> Demand that Israel's government fulfill its obligation as an occupying >>>> power under international humanitarian and human rights law to ensure >>>> the welfare of the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, notably >>>> its obligation to ensure the supply of essential necessities such as >>>> electrical power and to allow the movement of people and goods. >>>> >>>> Remaining silent in the face of growing impoverishment and threats >>>> against the people of Gaza implies our consent. As people of faith >>>> and as Americans, we expect our government to support policies that >>>> foster peace and prosperity, not further violence and suffering in the >>>> Middle East. >>>> >>>> Collection of signatures is in progress. If you wish to add your >>>> name, please contact lpollack@afsc.org <mailto:lpollack%40afsc.org> or >>>> call 312-427-2533 x26. >>>> >>>> List of Signatories to Interfaith Letter >>>> >>>> 1. The Rev. Dr. Larry L. Greenfield >>>> Executive Minister >>>> American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago >>>> Co-Convener, Chicago Faith Coalition on Middle East Policy >>>> >>>> 2. The Rev. Cotton Fite, Ph.D. >>>> Priest Associate, St. Luke's Church, Evanston, IL >>>> >>>> 3. Michael McConnell, Regional Director >>>> Great Lakes Region >>>> American Friends Service Committee >>>> >>>> 4. Rev. Catiana McKay, Pastor >>>> United Church of Rogers Park >>>> Chair, Commission of Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns >>>> Northern Illinois Conference >>>> United Methodist Church, Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 5. Elizabeth Mertic, Member >>>> Lake Forest Friends Meeting >>>> >>>> 6. Imam Abdul Malik Mujahid >>>> Chairman, Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago >>>> >>>> 7. Pauline M. Coffman, Ed.D. >>>> Member, Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery >>>> Oak Park, IL >>>> >>>> 8. Joyce M. Cassel >>>> Principal, Chicago Mennonite Learning Center >>>> >>>> 9. Newland F. Smith, 3rd >>>> Church Network for Education on Palestine, >>>> Episcopal Diocese of Chicago Peace and Justice Working Group >>>> >>>> 10. Delbert M. Leppke >>>> Working Group on the Middle East >>>> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Metro Chicago >>>> Synod >>>> >>>> 11. Rev. Harold Vogelaar, Ph.D. >>>> Former Director: Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and >>>> Justice >>>> The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago >>>> >>>> 12. Rev. Susan B.W. Johnson >>>> Hyde Park Union Church, Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 13. The Rev. Andrea C. White, Ph.D. Candidate >>>> The University of Chicago Divinity School >>>> Minister of Adult Religious Education >>>> The University of Chicago >>>> Rockefeller Memorial Chapel >>>> >>>> 14. The Rev. Rich Landers >>>> Hyde Park Union Church >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 15. Rev. Robert V. Thompson >>>> Lake Street Church of Evanston >>>> Evanston, IL >>>> >>>> 16. The Rev. George V. Hudgins, III >>>> Pastor, Community Church of Wilmette >>>> Wilmette, IL >>>> >>>> 17. Rev. Dr. M.L. Codman-Wilson >>>> Sr. Pastor, Christ Community Church of Wheaton >>>> >>>> 18. Dieter R. Schulte >>>> Member, Working Group on the Middle East >>>> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago >>>> Synod >>>> >>>> 19. Pam Edelmann Sall, Ebenezer Lutheran Church >>>> Middle East Working Group of the Metropolitan Chicago >>>> Synod of the Evangelical LutheranChurch in America >>>> >>>> 20. Rev. Phil Yetter, Pastor >>>> First Baptist Church of Berwyn, Berwyn, IL >>>> >>>> 21. Mary E. Anderson >>>> Church Women United >>>> Barrington, IL >>>> >>>> 22. Lynn Pollack >>>> Member, Jewish Voice for Peace >>>> Evanston, IL >>>> >>>> 23. Rev. Don Wagner >>>> Center for Middle Eastern Studies, North Park University >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 24. Rev. Paul G. Palmer >>>> Pastor Emeritus >>>> Community Presbyterian Church >>>> Mount Prospect, IL >>>> >>>> 25. Rev. Dr. Sid L. Mohn >>>> >>>> 26. Martha Reese >>>> Member, First United Church of Oak Park (PCUSA/UCC), >>>> Middle East Task Force of Chicago Presbytery >>>> River Forest, IL >>>> >>>> 27. Rev. Carol McVetty >>>> Northshore Baptist Church, Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 28. The Rev. Jeffrey Doane >>>> Pastor, Lincoln Park Presbyterian Church >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 29. Rev. Jean Marie Duran >>>> Living Lord Lutheran Church, ELCA >>>> Bartlett, IL >>>> >>>> 30. The Rev. Kara Wagner Sherer >>>> St. John's Episcopal Church >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 31. Tom Cordaro >>>> Pax Christi USA Ambassador of Peace >>>> Pax Christi Illinois >>>> >>>> 32. Edgar Hiestand >>>> Ecumenical/Interrel >>>> igious Office >>>> North Illinois Conference United MethodistChurch >>>> Oak Park, IL >>>> >>>> 33. Rev Beth Freese Dammers >>>> Pastor, Presbyterian Church (USA) >>>> First United Church of Oak Park >>>> Oak Park, IL >>>> >>>> 33. Orlando Redekopp >>>> Pastor, First Church of the Brethren >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 34. Bob Selby, Chair >>>> Ministry for Peace and Justice >>>> HOPE United Church of Christ >>>> Naperville, IL >>>> >>>> 35. Rev. Paul A. Hottinger >>>> Naperville, IL >>>> >>>> 36. The Rev Alan L. Streyffeler >>>> Ordained clergyman of the United Methodist Church >>>> Naperville, IL >>>> >>>> 37. Joan Ehrenberg >>>> Unity Lutheran Church, Chicago and the ELCA Metro-Chicago Synod >>>> Working >>>> Group on the Middle East >>>> >>>> 38. Yali Amit >>>> Member, KAM Isaiah Israel Synagogue >>>> >>>> 39. Lynn Kendall >>>> >>>> 40. Rev. Said Ailabouni >>>> Barrington, IL >>>> >>>> 41. David W. Doudt >>>> Chaplain, Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Elgin >>>> >>>> 42. Duane Mevis >>>> Wesley United MethodistChurch >>>> Naperville, IL >>>> >>>> 43. Working Group on the Middle East >>>> Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Metro Chicago Synod >>>> >>>> 44. John Lengle and Donna Lengle >>>> Members, Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren >>>> Elgin, IL >>>> >>>> 45. Rev. Calvin S. Morris, Ph.D. >>>> Community Renewal Society >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 46. Jennifer Bing-Canar >>>> National Director, Middle East Peacebuilding Program, AFSC >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 47. Bernard F. Reilly, Clerk >>>> Peace and Social Concerns Committee >>>> Evanston Friends Meeting >>>> >>>> 48. Jesse Bacon >>>> Steering Committee Member - Jewish Voice for Peace - Chicago >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 50. Judith McAtee >>>> Member, Western Springs Presbyterian Church >>>> Western Springs, IL >>>> >>>> 51. David Boris >>>> Board Member, North Suburban Peace Initiative >>>> >>>> 52. Rev. David Bebb Jones >>>> Convener of the Middle East Task Force of the Presbytery >>>> >>>> 53. Caren Levy-Van Slyke >>>> Member, Committee for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine >>>> >>>> 54. Joy Reis, member, Jewish Voice for Peace-Chicago >>>> >>>> 55. Rabbi Roy Furman >>>> Religious Studies Department >>>> DePaul University >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 56. Rabbi Brant Rosen >>>> Evanston, IL >>>> >>>> 57. Dr. Lauren Langman >>>> Member, Tikkun-Chicago >>>> >>>> 58 . Mary Sotir >>>> Member, St. Athanasius Peace and Justice Ministry >>>> Evanston, IL >>>> >>>> 59. Rev. Daniel Dale >>>> Wellington United Church of Christ, >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 60. Rebekah Levin >>>> Member Secular Jewish Community and School of Oak Park >>>> Oak Park, IL >>>> >>>> 61. Rev. Paul S. Allen >>>> Pastor Emeritus, Winnetka Congregational Church >>>> Winnetka, IL >>>> >>>> 62. Thomas L. Garlitz >>>> Director >>>> Catholic Diocese of Joliet Peace and Social Justice >>>> Ministry >>>> >>>> 63. Rev. Dr. Jane Fisler Hoffman, >>>> IL Conference, United Church of Christ >>>> >>>> 64. Reverend Christopher L. Pierson >>>> Director of Connectional Ministries >>>> Northern Illinois Conference of the United MethodistChurch >>>> Elgin, IL >>>> >>>> 65. Mary Knightwright >>>> United Methodist Deacon >>>> Aurora, IL >>>> >>>> 66. The Rev Stephen H. Swanson >>>> Pastor St. Paul Lutheran Church >>>> Villa Park, IL >>>> >>>> 67. Archpriest Nicholas Dahdal, Dean >>>> 1220 S. 60th Court >>>> St. George Antiochian Orthodox Church >>>> >>>> 68. Rev. Fr. Mousa Haddad >>>> Church of the Virgin Mary >>>> Alsip, IL >>>> >>>> 69. Pastor John Stoltzfus >>>> Lombard Mennonite Church >>>> Lombard, IL >>>> >>>> 70. Rev. Dr. Pamela R. Lightsey, PhD >>>> Dean of Students >>>> Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary >>>> Evanston, IL >>>> >>>> 71. Connie Baker >>>> President, Church Network for Education on Palestine >>>> Elmhurst, IL >>>> >>>> 72. Breeze Richardson >>>> Clerk, on behalf of the 57th St. Meeting of Friends >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> 73. Ahmed Rehab, Executive Director >>>> Council on American Islamic Relations >>>> Chicago, IL >>>> >>>> Friends of Sabeel--North America >>>> PO Box 9186, Portland, OR 97207 >>>> FOSNA.org >