April 4, 2002

The Unthinkable Becomes Commonplace

[East Jerusalem, Palestine] I got a call in Jerusalem on behalf of the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem. They called because they are out of food, so I tried to make some calls to help. I called organizations and found a receptive voice with World Vision. World Vision told me that generous donations were coming in from all over the world. They have plenty of money for food. They have time. They have employees mobilized to work. They have vehicles. They are anxious to deliver necessary water, food and medicine -- but the Israeli Army will not permit it. The Israeli Army has refused to allow humanitarian relief aid to be delivered!

I was also told that the Red Cross/Red Crescent has suspended operations at 4:00pm today because they have been targeted by Israeli soldiers in both Ramallah and Bethlehem. They cannot risk more rescue and relief personnel shot and killed. It has happened over and over. They cannot treat the injured or deliver aid, because soldiers are killing them.

World Vision said the only thing we could do now was to urge our governments to pressure the Israelis to allow baby formula and medicine to be delivered to the needy.

Bethlehem remains under attack with most of the activity concentrated around the Church of the Nativity. Reports from inside the church say that Israeli snipers have been targeting the building all day. Israeli soldiers have blown off the door at the rear of the church, but they have not yet entered. Last night heavy equipment was very active up and down roads near Manger Square. Tanks were firing into the community.