Israeli Solidarity Visit to Hebron's Families

Christian Peacemaker Teams www.cpt.org

May 19, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Israeli Peace Activists to Make a Solidarity Visit to Palestinian Families Besieged by Settler Violence in Tel Rumeida, Hebron

Solidarity Visit Date: Saturday, May 21, 3:00 PM

For meeting location and transportation options please call us as soon as possible.

Hebron's settler population has taken advantage of the heightened focus on Gaza to escalate their violence against Palestinian families and to expand their settlement, practically unchallenged. On Saturday, May 21, Israeli peace activists will visit these besieged families in Tel Rumeida, Hebron in solidarity with their struggle against settler violence and land theft. A peace activist said: "While we completely oppose and strongly condemn the criminal actions of the Hebron settlers directed towards the city's civilian population, and the military support that these acts receive from the IDF, we as Israeli citizens, feel fully responsible for these actions and the least we can do is visit the Palestinian families of Tel Rumeida to see for ourselves the extreme living situation which they have no choice but to deal with daily."

Palestinian families who live next to the settler enclave, often as virtual prisoners, will welcome Israeli visitors into their homes. Israelis will hear first hand accounts of the harassment and violence families endure, often on a daily basis and especially on Shabbat when attacks are worse. Israelis will walk the path of the proposed new settler road that will confiscate Palestinian land and destroy part of a Muslim cemetery and olive trees. They will also view the recently completed multi story settler building that now towers over Palestinian homes.

Members of the media are invited to witness these meetings. Press will be able to interview Palestinian families and Israelis, as well as shoot footage of the dangerous and difficult paths Palestinians must travel to reach their homes. Most of the Palestinian families speak English and are eager to share their stories with press.

To see recent pictures of Tel Rumeida please visit our website at

http://www.cpt.org/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album109

ENDS

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