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----- Original Message ----- From: NADEM NASHEF <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Al-Awda-News <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2001 10:32 AM Subject: [AL-AWDA-News] Nonviolent march Bethelehem - Jerusalem 31 December2001 > From: Rapprochement Centre > > To all partners of Pax Christi International > > Non-violent "justice and peace" march > > Bethlehem - Jerusalem, 31 December 2001 > > Reference: 657PLE Brussels, 18 December 2001 > > Dear friends, > > > We would like to draw your attention to the following initiative on the last day of the year, December 31, 2001. A "justice and peace" march leading from Bethlehem through the main checkpoint into Jerusalem will be organised. The march will culminate in a human chain around the Old City walls symbolizing a protective embracement. The president of Pax Christi International, Mgr. Michel Sabbah, will lead the march in Bethlehem together with other church and religious representatives. > > The non-violent "justice and peace" march is designed to make two simple but powerful demands for the new year: "Open Jerusalem" and "End Occupation" > > In announcing these demands, the marchers wish to express their deep-felt commitment to end the suffering and violence, and to work for a peace marked by justice and reconciliation. The march will be accompanied by international civilian observers who will form a "tunnel of protection" in front of the Bethlehem/Jerusalem checkpoint. They will also join the human chain. > > During the march, participants will be encouraged to sing or pray. Local and international music groups will be invited to play. Participants will hold olive branches and wear various articles like caps, buttons and ribbons with the campaign sign. There will be moments of silence to commemorate all the victims of the violence. Wishes and prayers coming from persons from all over the world will be attached to balloons and distributed among the participants. At the Lion's Gate, the balloons will be released, a gesture to symbolize the universal right to freedom. There will be texts in Arabic, English en Hebrew to explain the march's aims and the non-violent nature. > > The Bethlehem-Jerusalem march will fall under the responsibility of the Heads of the Churches in Jerusalem; Grassroots International Protection for the Palestinian People (GIPP); Civil organizations in the Bethlehem area including Arab Educational Institute (AEI), Palestinian Center for Rapprochement between Peoples, Conflict Resolution Center Wi'am, Arab Orthodox Society and the Scouts Troops Leaders in Bethlehem. The United Civilians for Peace (UCP) will take part in the preparations as observer. The march is prepared in coordination with the High Islamic Council of the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. > > Pax Christi International repeats its appeal to its members and others to support this event by sending/emailing Christmas wishes and prayers for peace to Bethlehem. Please do this before 25 December 2001. The prayers will be included in a ceremony during the human chain on 31 December 2001. Prayers can be in English, which is preferable, or could also be in your own mother language. All messages should be sent to the Arab Educational Institute, AEI, Paul VI St., P.O. Box 462, Bethlehem, fax ++972-2-2777554, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] - > > Please spread this message by e-mail to people you know. We appreciate your support and involvement. > > Etienne De Jonghe > > International Secretary > > > ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~--> > Send FREE Holiday eCards from Yahoo! Greetings. > http://us.click.yahoo.com/IgTaHA/ZQdDAA/ySSFAA/xYTolB/TM > ---------------------------------------------------------------------~-> > > ================================================================= > Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, is the largest network of grassroots activists dedicated to Palestinian human rights. To subscribe to Al-Awda-News, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To find out how to join an Al-Awda action committee in your area, please visit our website at http://al-awda.org > ================================================================= > FREEZE TERRORIST ASSETS! > STOP US AID TO ISRAEL! > Sign the petition letter online at: > http://al-awda.org/terminate_aid_petition.htm > ================================================================= > Unless indicated otherwise, all statements posted represent the views of their authors and not necessarily those of Al-Awda, The Palestine Right to Return Coalition > > Your use of Yahoo! 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