From: MR760@aol.com Date sent: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 09:45:34 EDT Subject: (no subject) To: letters@haaretz.co.il Copies to: info@gush-shalom.org to the editor: I read with heavy heart your editorial condemning Gush Shalom's principled stand with regard to the actions of the IDF in the West Bank as doing "grave damage." Gush Shalom should be praised, not condemned, for its singular service to the country in trying to prevent the moral character of the IDF from slipping ever further from the "purity of arms" (now a joke) and toward thuggishness. You accuse them of not publishing their findings and for a supposed lack of confidence in Israeli courts, which may lead them to bring their issues before an international court. Firstly, as they wrote, they did send this information to you, but even that was unnecessary since the very policies of the state-- collective punishment--are grave breaches of international law, are evident to one and all (including Haaretz), and the Israeli courts have done nothing to halt it. What you really mean, I think, is that you don't want the schande examined internationally, but I think it is more important to have justice. Sincerely, Miriam M. Reik, PhD 760 West End Avenue New York, NY 10025 (212) 222-5495 (845) 255-2114