Ehud Barak, Israel’s increasingly hawkish defense minister, approved an intelligence recommendation to demolish the houses of Hakim and Ajmad Awad, two cousins from the Palestinian village of Awarta.

Dear General Assembly Mission Council and General Assembly Commissioners, and all our friends and compatriots in the PC (USA) community,

As the Director of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD), I have been proud to support the efforts of the Presbyterian Church to address Israel’s 45-year Occupation, and especially those of the Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI), in translating a courageous moral stand against oppression into concrete actions. (Being a graduate of Macalester College, where my mentor, Chaplain Maxwell Adams, would certainly have supported your positions, makes me doubly proud to be part of your community.)

I have worked with MRTI for many years on the issue of the Occupation. I have shared information with the Committee’s members (especially regarding Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes, now numbering over 26,000, including Beit Arabiya, a home visited by many Presbyterian delegations that was demolished two weeks ago for the fifth time). I have hosted MRTI fact-finding missions here in Israel/Palestine and have served as a resource person in its meetings in the US. I have also been privileged to participate in three General Assemblies (with another ICAHD representative attending a fourth). I know the MRTI members and have always been impressed by their professionalism, the thoroughness of their research and the clarity of their publications, as well as by their moral thoughtfulness when it comes to such an issue as the Occupation, so entwined with the sensitivities of Christian-Jewish history and relations.

Certainly the measures advocated by MRTI, which have steadily gained support in the larger Church itself, are responsible and effective ones. In fact, targeting Caterpillar, Motorola Solutions, and Hewlett Packard for divestment until they have ceased profiting from

the Occupation emanates directly from the mandate MRTI was given by the General Assembly: identifying companies profiting from the occupation, engaging with them, which MRTI has done for the past six years or so, and only then calling for divestment. It is clear that this process has been exhausted, and

that the GA’s card “has been called” by these corporations. Not to respond drags Presbyterians into active if non-direct complicity with these companies in suppressing the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom. The GA must disassociate itself morally and institutionally from such policies while actively trying to end the oppression itself, all of which a precisely-targeted and fairly implemented divestment campaign does.

As part of the Israeli peace camp, I can testify as to how important your support is to us, not to mention how vital it is to the beleaguered and isolated Palestinians themselves. Knowing this, as you well do, should help you put into perspective the expected attacks by segments of the organized Jewish community such as the JCPA. According to their own website, one of its senior officials and the head of its “Israel Action Network” that prepared the statement attacking you “communicates regularly with U.S. government representatives and maintains an ongoing liaison with senior Israeli officials in Jerusalem and the United States.” These organizations of self-appointed “leaders” do not speak for the wider Jewish community, some 70% of which are not affiliated with any synagogue, Federation or Jewish organization. They represent a portion of the 30%, and even here they get their marching orders from the Israeli government, which uses them to attack those who oppose the Occupation. The “officials” representing the JCPA are neither elected nor are they known to the vast majority of Jews. They may certainly express their opinions and even those of the organizations they represent, but their views cannot be taken as representative of the broader Jewish community in any way.

In fact, their “views” are only that: views – and even then the view of the Israeli government. As is common with such organizations claiming to be supporting Israel (but actually doing it great harm in the long term), the JCPA’s criticism is not based on a disagreement over facts or analyses, which they cannot confront, but rather over “intentions” (to “delegitimize” Israel, etc., etc.). Worse, they cast legitimate and necessary opposition to something as fundamental as an Occupation that has deprived millions of people of their basic rights and even lands, homes, livelihoods and identities, as somehow “anti-Semitic,” as if violations of human rights and the denial of social justice – though issues that define American Jewry – can be reconciled with Jewish history and values. The truth is that a position based on human rights, that of MRTI and of the PC(USA) in general, is a “Jewish” position.

We in Israel who work tirelessly for peace are comforted that MRTI exists, is active and receives the support it does from the Presbyterian Church. We urge you to continue to give practical expression to your moral concerns by supporting the divestment campaign, and not to let external attacks divide you or weaken your resolve. We look forward to the day when we all come together at Beit Arabiya to celebrate the end of Occupation and the dawn of a just peace. In that you will all have been instrumental.

In solidarity,

On January 23, 2012, Israeli authorities demolished Beit Arabiya, the Abu Omar home rebuilt by ICAHD with a team of international volunteers in the summer of 2011, and structures in the East Anata Arab al-Jahalin Bedouin community, displacing 52 people including 29 children.

These figures are added to the list of more than 26,000 Palestinian structures that Israel has demolished since 1967 in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, all in violation of international law and leaving tens of thousands of Palestinian men, women, and children traumatized and homeless. In 2011 alone, Israel demolished more than 600 structures, displacing over 1000 Palestinians – nearly twice as many as in the previous year. Israel’s policy of house demolitions and evictions is illegal under international law, and its purpose is to disenfranchise entire Palestinian communities and expropriate their land. Recent statements from the EU and UN are explicit and call for these demolitions to stop immediately. These bodies will be aware of ICAHD’s rebuilding of Beit Arabiya in July.

Since its founding in 1997, ICAHD has rebuilt 185 Palestinian homes, all done as a form of political non-violent resistance to Israel’s policy of demolishing Palestinian homes and displacing the Palestinian people. ICAHD calls for the end of the Occupation and for a solution based on justice – the only way to achieve a sustainable peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. A just solution will contribute to stability in the Middle East and the wider world.

Since 2003, hundreds of internationals have joined ICAHD’s annual summer rebuilding camp. They have worked with Palestinians and Israelis who stand side by side, refusing to be enemies, demonstrating in a powerful way that there are partners for peace.

We want the 2012 ICAHD summer rebuilding camp to demonstrate, more than ever, international outrage over Israel’s cruel policy and the growing solidarity among individuals and organizations who believe that the oppression and displacement of the Palestinian people must end.

To facilitate this, ICAHD seeks organizations that will join with us in sponsoring the rebuilding, plus individual participants who are committed to learning more about the realities on the ground so that they can return home as ambassadors for ICAHD’s message of justice for Palestinians.

Accommodations
Because of the demolition of Beit Arabiya, alternative living arrangements will be provided near the site in Anata, northeast of Jerusalem. Two large tents will be in place, one for women and one for men, and portable toilets and temporary shower blocks will be constructed. We will prepare a communal area for gathering, talks, film screenings, and a place to enjoy the delicious home-cooked Palestinian food provided by Arabiya Shawamreh as she and her husband, Salim, host the camp with ICAHD staff.
Camp participants are expected to honor local Muslim community traditions. Internationals will be rewarded with a unique opportunity to learn something about both life under occupation and the rich heritage and cultural practices of the local people. New friendships with Israelis and Palestinians, including Bedouin from the Jahalin tribe, will form as we work together in solidarity.

The location is near the Judean Desert, so it will be hot during the day with temperatures over 86 degrees F; however, it is dry heat and evenings are usually cool. Participants need to be robust and enthusiastic about working in these conditions.

Schedule

Dates: Sunday, July 1 – Monday, July 16, 2012

In addition to the rebuilding, a full program is provided to help international participants acquire deeper understanding of the situation on the ground. Field trips allow participants to witness the reality in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and within Israel and will include outings to places such as Jerusalem and its periphery, Hebron, the Negev Desert, the Jordan Valley, and Lod. The educational aspect of the program includes: films and meetings with Palestinian and Israeli activists and experts who provide political analysis. The primary focus will be the legal position concerning house demolitions, displacement, and Israel’s Apartheid policies vis-à-vis the Palestinians both in the OPT and within Israel, although other issues will also be covered.

The cost of the 2012 camp is $1750 (American dollars) per person. The fee includes the following:

•  Accommodation in tents
•  Three full meals a day and beverages between meals (except during 3 free evenings when participants are away from the camp and are free to purchase food of their preference)
•  All field trips and educational programs
•  ICAHD materials/resources

A discounted rate $1250 (American dollars) is available for a limited number of full-time university students whose applications demonstrate their commitment to justice for Palestine.

Not included in the fee are:

•  Airfare and transfer to and from Jerusalem before the start of the camp and return to the airport at the end of the camp
•  Meals and beverages during free time
•  Personal spending money (a wide range of Palestinian products is available and buying them helps to support the Palestinian economy)

A commitment to fund-raising is also needed because the funds collected for participation in the summer camp do not cover the cost of rebuilding. Therefore we strongly encourage participants to engage their local communities (professional bodies, religious communities, trade unions, etc.) to raise funds for rebuilding, and we hope that a minimum target of $1000 (American dollars) per participant can be achieved.

ICAHD is known internationally as a leading peace and human rights organization that has observer status at the UN. ICAHD seeks participants who are committed to using the information learned to counter Israel’s Occupation policies. ICAHD reframes the conflict from a human rights perspective and believes that greater involvement from civil society is necessary to achieve progressive change in the Middle East. This is why we seek participants who are committed to using the knowledge and analysis gained during the camp to educate their professional bodies and other networks.

The ICAHD summer rebuilding camps have been an annual event since 2003, and since then hundreds of internationals have participated in what for many has been a life-changing experience. Recommendations include Clare Short, former British MP and ICAHD UK patron:

“I participated in the camp because I am a great admirer of ICAHD’s work so I wanted to experience the reality of the work on the ground. Whilst there I was surprised and impressed by the quality of the visits which were arranged for various afternoons. I have visited the Occupied Territories often and follow the situation quite closely but still learned a lot by actually seeing more of the reality on the ground.”

ICAHD hopes that you will help make the 2012 summer rebuilding camp the most significant to date.

All those interested in joining the camp are invited to complete an application form.

Please contact:

For the USA and Canada, email: summercamp@icahdusa.org

For Finland, email: icahd@icahd.fi

For Europe and all other countries, email: summercamp@icahduk.org

Applicants invited to participate in the 2012 ICAHD summer rebuilding camp will take part in two, 2-hour webinars prior to travel and will receive a recommended reading list to familiarize themselves with issues.

Deadline for the first round of application forms is March 15, 2012.

Download application here: 2012 Summer Camp Application (docx, 147.82 kB)

The construction of the Abu Omar family home, long waited since the 2005 demolition by Israel, was completed on  July 24th 2011, exactly six months ago. The keys to the home were handed over to the family in a celebratory dedication ceremony marking the end of a two week rebuild. Volunteers were joined by members of the larger Anata community, civil society activists and Palestinian Authority high ranking officials, as family members began life in their rebuilt home. ICAHD staff visited with the family shortly after the demolition of their home took place to find them somber, traumatized, and grief stricken. ICAHD has vowed to support the family in rebuilding their home, once more. This is the second ICAHD rebuilt home demolished within 24 hours, in what seems like a concerted, yet futile, effort to discourage ICAHD from rebuilding demolished Palestinian homes.

The Abu Omar family home, rebuilt by ICAHD in 2011

ICAHD Summer Camp volunteers outside the newly rebuilt home in July, 2011

The remains of the Abu Omar family home, January 24, 2012

All recorded incidents have been verified and documented by partners in the Displacement Working Group (an inter-agency group under the auspices of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Protection Cluster, and chaired by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. the DWG includes over one hundred members, such as UN agencies, international and local Israeli and Palestinian NGOs, and donors. ICAHD has been an active member of the group ever since it was established in 2008).

Click here to download the article.

For more information, visit the ICAHD website.