To: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
Spokesperson of the Prime Minister
Defence Minister Benjamin Beneliezer
Spokesperson Defence Ministry
Foreign Minister Shimon Peres
In a democratic state it is every citizen’s duty to safeguard theprinciples of justice and due process and the laws protecting civiland human rights.. The warning letters sent by Gush ShalomtoIDF officers. demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting thedemocratic principles and values that underpin democracy in Israel.Since March-April 2002, internationally respected human rightsorganizations have amassed significant evidence of the IDF’swidespread violations of the human rights of Palestinians living inthe Occupied Territories.. The Israeli government’s nascent stepsto commence legal proceedings against Gush Shalom arousesuspicion that it might wish to cover up war crimes and otherillegal conduct.Since the time of the Prophets we Jews have been exhorted tofollow the path of justice in times of war and peace.. Thegovernment of Israel is not exempt from these exhortations.
Dr. R. Ruth Linden.
University of California, San Francisco.