Protest Now

Hertzl Getz, Head of Department of the Population Registry in the
Ministry of Interior has "more important things to do" than concern
himself with the fate of 4 American men currently being detained
against their will by the authorities.

The Ministry was informed that they would agree to leave voluntarily
providing that they received a letter confirming that they were not
deported and that there were assurances regarding their ability to
return, should they wish to do so. This was accepted by the Israeli
authorities. One of the group, based on these assurances, signed her
letter and is now en-route home. We have now been informed that the
Ministry has revoked the agreement, leaving the 4 others in detention.

The lawyer representing the group called the Ministry to speak to Mr.
Gitz. The following conversation was ugly and he ranted
uncontrollably. He said "I do not want to speak to you. I do not want
to hear from you, stop calling and bothering me." When it was pointed
out that he has an obligation to these people he stated "I do not
have to deal with these two and a half people", meaning 'peons'. He
added that deportation orders had been issued but none of the
detainees have received them. The lawyer demanded that these papers
be presented to them, in English and he refused. "Don't tell me what
to do, they will be issued in our language" was his repsonse.

Again his responsibilities were stressed, however he was adamant in
his refusal to either deal with the issue or take the responsibilty
his position demands. Throughout the conversation he was rude and
abusive - hardly the demeanour one expects of a high ranking
official. She demanded that he respond immediately in writing, which
he has refused to do. He cited a 14 day period in which he was
obliged to make any repsonse as his reason for not acting with any
urgency.

American Jews populate the illegal settlements throughout the West
Bank and Gaza Strip. These Americans are armed and receive the full
protection of the Israeli government. They also receive the benefits
of the massive financial aid receieved from America, courtesy of each
American citizen. The 4 men, also American citizens, are being left
to languish in jail, against their will and without any redress
through the country's legal system. Their attempts to gain attention
to their plight by engaging in a hunger strike have been ignored and
their health is in danger. One man has now refused to take water in
ight of these events.

Even their own government is ignoring their plight. The American
Consulate and Embassy effort to intervene on behalf of their citizens
have had no effect. We believe that the pressure being exerted is by
no means sufficient.

Jews have faced persecution for centuries and now, in the form of
Israel, has become the persecutor. As a non-Jew in this country it is
apparent that one has no rights whatsoever and can be held hostage at
the behest of the authorities. This is certainly evident with the
racist and discriminatory treatment meted out to Palestinians, both
as citzizens of the State of Israel as well as those living in the
occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip. Now, anyone entering the State of
Israel is in danger of becoming a non-entity and disappearing in to
system to be abandoned. This is both illegal and immoral. Israel
cannot claim to be a deomcracy whilst these flagrant abuses of human
and civil rights continue. We demand that the 4 men are treated as
humans beings and with equality.

Protest to your senate and congress people now. Israel cannot
continue to be allowed to act as a rogue state.

You can fax Mr Getz on 02 629 4750 or call and ask to speak to him on
02 629 4701


For press:
More information regarding these detainees, along with eight others
who have already been forced to leave (American, British and
Swedish), please contact:
Georgina Reeves
+972 2 277 7558
+972 55 840 767