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By Jim Harris (about the author) Page 1 of 1 page(s)
For OpEdNews: Jim Harris - Writer
That was the conclusion of a letter to the New York Times from a group
of concerned Jews regarding Menachem Begin and his record of extremism
before his visit to the United States in 1948. It was signed by Albert
Einstein and Hannah Arendt, among others. We cannot be sure what those
individuals would say about former Prime Minister Olmert's upcoming
visit to Chicago and San Francisco, but it seems likely they would
express grave concern.
Olmert's attack on Lebanon in the summer of 2006 caused massive
destruction as Israeli forces destroyed whole civilian neighborhoods.
Even water treatment facilities were attacked despite the prohibition
against targeting objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian
population. Statements by Israeli military officials were made
indicating that the destruction of civilian infrastructure was indeed a
goal of Israel's military campaign designed to press the Lebanese
government and the civilian population to turn against Hizbollah.
Deliberate attacks against civilians to advance a political goal is the
classic definition of terrorism. We hold Olmert accountable.
The long siege on Gaza intensified during Olmert's term. It has left in
its wake malnourished children and an ongoing humanitarian disaster. It
is the economic strangulation of a whole people imposed on them as a
response to their choice of political representation in 2006 (although
the roots of this economic siege begin long before that). This siege
has been declared by multiple human rights and humanitarian
organizations as illegal and unjust. We hold Olmert accountable.
Finally, there is the horrendous war on Gaza. The facts are laid out in
great detail by the Goldstone Report. The Israeli military, under the
direction of Prime Minister Olmert, committed multiple war crimes
against the whole people of Gaza, in the process killing over a
thousand people, including hundreds of young children, and destroying
infrastructure and thousands of homes that mostly are yet to be
rebuilt, due in large part to the cruel sanctions placed on Gaza by the
Israeli regime. We hold Olmert accountable.
These are a few salient facts regarding Ehud Olmert and his crimes. We urge all concerned to take action. Justice
Goldstone has said that the Middle East suffers from a "culture of
impunity" that allows these crimes to continue, saying that
"Overlooking justice only leads to increased conflict and violence." We
believe this culture of impunity must end, and must end now. In Chicago
October 15, Olmert will speak at the University of Chicago, and will be
On October 22 at 6pm, as Olmert makes his speech to those gathered
inside the St Francis Hotel in San Francisco, we will gather outside in
Union Square with the message that we demand accountability to
international law. We will be silent no more.
More Info on
Protests here!
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