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your MP's name and address by typing in your postal code here No Postage is required. Hon. Mauril Bélanger, MP for Ottawa-Vanier House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 "With horrific statistics like this, the question of who is a terrorist should have long since become very burdensome for every Israeli. Yet it is not on the public agenda. Child killers are always the Palestinians, the soldiers always only defend us and themselves, and the hell with the statistics." Dear Mr. Bélanger, I fail to see the wisdom of the Israeli government in running roughshod over Palestinian civilians in the name of security for Israeli citizens. Please read the article below which was published by the Israeli newspaper Ha'aretz. It gives a shocking view of what is happening in the Occupied Palestinian Territories while the world is fixated on the US elections and the horror in Iraq. The silence of our government that implies its acceptance of the Israeli official narrative, is in total contradiction of what we are, what we stand for as Canadians, and of Prime Minister Martin's plan "Responsibility to protect" that addresses citizens' need to be protected within their own borders. Palestinians have consistently requested that an international force be posted to protect them, and to monitor Palestinian and Israeli activities, something Israel has consistently opposed. Our government cannot speak one way and act another. We need to stand up and call for an end to the slaughter of civilians whether targeted or "collateral." For those who die and for their families, these are subtleties that in no way explain or lessen their loss. We need to call for an end to the Israeli occupation and support those who like Gila Svirsky of the Coalition of Women for Peace and like many Israeli organizations such as Gush Shalom are saying "Hakibush Horeg Et Kulanu! Dai Le Kibush!" (The Occupation is killing us all! Stop the Occupation!). Canadians need to hear that our government's concern for human beings does not differentiate between lives. I therefore respectfully request that you raise this issue in Parliament, and demand that our government act according to our values of fairness and justice, and insist that Israel meet its obligations under international and humanitarian law and put an end to this murderous occupation. Canada must heed the call by the International Court of Justice that states "are under an obligation not to recognize the illegal situation arising from the construction of the wall, and not to render aid or assistance in maintaining that situation," and consider applying sanctions should Israel persist in its unlawful behaviour. Thank you for your assistance in this matter. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Bahija Réghaï Ottawa Your Comments canpalnet-ottawa.org |