CPTnet
January 22, 2001
HEBRON URGENT ACTION: Israel Confiscates Land of Campaign for Secure
Dwellings Partner

In the last weeks, while the eyes of the world have focussed on the more
visually sensational forms of Israeli oppression and Palestinian resistance,
Israel has confiscated huge tracts of land in the Hebron district.

Israeli bulldozers have been at work razing orchards, and plowing land in
preparation to build new settlements. Many of our closest contacts
have been affected. In particular, the family of Atta Jaber has had all of
its land confiscated with the exception of the land on which their house is
built. Other contacts report that settlements in the North, South, and East
of the district are expanding at an increased rate.

In the past, we have seen that letters to the U.S. State Department
have been effective when sent in sufficient numbers. Now is the time to let
the incoming Bush administration know that this is an issue that he and his
staff will have to deal with; this is an issue about which North Americans
are concerned. We ask all of our supporters, Canadians and U.S. citizens,
to send letters and
faxes to the U.S. State Department demanding that the Bush administration
use its influence to halt all land confiscations and seizures by Israel in
the Occupied Territories.

Talking Points for Letters:
   * Israel has already confiscated more than one-third of the land in
the Hebron district.
   * The confiscation of land deprives farming families of their only
means of supporting themselves.
   * International law and Human Rights accords outlaw the
confiscation of land by an occupying power, and land confiscation creates
"facts on the ground" that prejudice negotiations in Israel's favor.
   * Many of the families whose land has recently been confiscated
have deeds from the Ottoman Empire proving their ownership.
   * The U.S. must use its influence to insure that international law is
observed and justice is administered in Israel/Palestine.

Addresses:
President George Bush Jr.
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington DC 20500
Tel. 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461
e-mail: president@whitehouse.gov

US Secretary of State Colin Powell
2201 C St. NW
Washington DC 20520
(State Dept. Tel switchboard 202-647-4000)
fax: 202-736 4461
e-mail:secretary@state.gov