Holy Land: When will justice be done?

The Westminster Justice and Peace Commission would like to support the statement made recently by the Canadian Bishops Conference in connection with the sad situation in that region near Bethlehem, the Cremisan Valley. Many thought that when the Israeli High Court agreed that the Separation Wall should not be built through the valley, that this would be binding. But no, the plans went ahead to divide families from their land; uproot olive trees set for generations and the only means of livelihood for the families concerned.

For many of us not familiar with growing olives and the planting of olive trees, the devastation of the uprooting of the olive tree runs very deep. It means the anihilation of several generations, their livelyhood and family memories.

In spite of the many voices speaking out against this particular section of the building of the Separation Wall, it has fallen on deaf ears and the construction is going ahead anyway.

The building of the Separation Wall and the taking over of Palestinian land as locations for Israeli Settlements has long since been Government policy, all in the name of national security. Everyone is entitled to security, but not at the price of removing, obliterating, other people's property! The comandeering of another's proprty is a crime against humanity. Yet it has been happening for years. The end will soon be achieved when all the Christians will be removed from the areas involved. And the world has stood idily by. Those who raise voices can be so easily branded by the usual slogans which need not be mentioned here because everyone is aware .... but it's all wearing very thin by it's overuse and an excuse to get away with what could be classed as 'criminal activity'.

When will justice be seen to be done?

Fr Joe Ryan,
Chair Westminster Justice and Peace Commission.