If We Substitute "Jews" for "Arab"

We had to give up homes for peace and security, why can't they?

Solidarity Visit at Al-Sira Village

Saturday, October 14th, at 11 a.m. we shall pay a solidarity visit to the village of Al-Sira in the Negev, where demolition orders have been issued for all its houses

Background

The village of Al-Sira numbers about 300 inhabitants. For the past month they have been living in a state of constant anxiety, fearing the demolition of their homes and expulsion from their village. On September 7th, 2006, 45 houses in the village received warnings of impending demolition. Addressing the authorities, they learned that the State has no dwelling solutions in store for them.

For the signing of the Israel's peace agreement with Egypt, in 1980 the Knesset had passed the Negev Land Acquisition Law, which expropriated about 85,000 dunams from the Beduins then living at Tel Malhata, in order to construct one of the Air Force bases moved from the Sinai Peninsula. Over 5,000 Beduins were evacuated from the area.

Al-Sira village was included in the confiscated area, but was not evacuated.

Nowadays, the base fence passes next to the village. Relations between the villagers and the base are good. Base headquarters has told them that the Air Force does not require their land. Apparently the construction of a paratroopers and intelligence base is planned at the site. It should be noted that Al-Sira village has existed since the Ottoman rule.

We are paying the village a solidarity visit in order to bear this message to the Israeli Government:

We shall not agree to your appalling plan!

Let this village and its inhabitants in peace!

The visit is coordinated with the village committee.


Travel arrangements:

Tel Aviv: 8:30 a.m. at El Al Terminal – Arlozorof Train Station (Merkaz)

Please call Amos Gvirtz to reserve. Messages at 052-6035685

Jerusalem: 8:30 a.m. HaPa'amon Park.

Please call Jimmy Johnson, 054-3045297

Negev Rendezvous:

Paz gas station at Shoket Junction, 10:30 a.m.

Contacts:

Negev: Atia Al Assem 050-5702064, Ariel 050-7701118, Center: Amos Gvirtz 052-6035685