CPTnet
July 8, 2002
HEBRON: Instruments of Destruction

On the morning of July 6, those of us serving on Christian Peacemaker Team
in Hebron held a prayer vigil at the rubble marking the site of the
destroyed Muqata (the former headquarters of the Palestinian Authority in
Hebron that was demolished last week by the Israeli army.)

  When we reached the main entrance to the compound we were challenged by
crews of two Israeli tanks sitting on a knoll across the street. One of the
tanks revved its engine by way of warning; both tanks repeatedly rotated
their turrets; and the tank crews yelled at us, but we continued our
worship.

Our purpose was to mourn the violence of the occupation as symbolized by
the destruction of this symbol of Palestinian autonomy. We wanted to pray
for an end to violence, and at the same time recognize that we as North
Americans help to provide the instruments of that violence. The attack on
the Muqata was carried out in part by Apache helicopters, and an armoured
bulldozer leveling the rubble completed the destruction. The U.S. provides
Israel with these instruments of destruction, and this issue is the focus
of the walk that CPTers are undertaking from Chicago to Peoria in Illinois.
(See release, "CHICAGO CPT vigil/walk challenges Boeing and Caterpillar to
put children's lives first.)

We also prayed the words of Psalm 39, acknowledging our anger at the
injustices we see all around us, but praying to channel this anger and not
let it become counterproductive. This prayer was continued in song, as we
sang "Guide My Feet" before leaving the destruction.