Nation Unity Coalition for Israel January 4, 2001

For many years the local Arabs and Christians have lived side by side in peace. Recently a radical Muslin group moved in and started building a mosque next to the Church of Basilica of the Annunciation. They are building without permits, and have basically dared the government to do anything about it.

This group, called the “Islamic Movement of Israel,” consistently denigrates Christianity, Judaism, and Western society (especially the United State) in all of its publications. This slander has escalated into physical attacks on local Christian shops as well as the American-based Burger King restaurant. They have also taunted and attacked foreign pilgrims who visit Nazareth’s churches and houses of worship. This group has left the citizens of Nazareth, both Christian and moderate Moslems, p aralyzed in intimidation and fear, by providing the only Israeli Arab suicide bombers in recent history. They see this activity as fulfilling a mission from Allah, a battle waged against all of Christianity and the Western world in general.

During the past month, the group has, under cover of night, proceeded illegally to dig a foundation and build the lower parts of a permanent mosque. They have cut this foundation, through archaeological remains, including pillars from an ancient synagogue or church, and bones from an ancient (likely Jewish) cemetery. They are now proceeding to build, driving down pylons and paving the basement floor, though they still have not obtained the various necessary permits to do so. They are determ i ned to make this structure their central base of operation.

The local residents are wondering why Christians and Jews in the West are not doing more to help resolve this desperate situation.

This is one of the few places on earth that is dear to all Christian tradition. The Israeli government is reluctant to assert its authority in this situation unless there is a loud outcry from the West.

By speaking out now you can make a difference to preserver Nazareth for posterity!

COPY AND PASTE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE (OR WRITE YOUR OWN). SEND IT TO THE FOLLOWING ISRAELI CABINET MEMBERS.

Please stop the illegal construction of a mosque in Nazareth next to the Basilica of the Annunciation. Nazareth is central to the faith of all Christians throughout the world. To permit the continued desecration of this Christian holy site, in Nazareth, is affront to all Christianity. By allowing militant Muslims to overshadow this Basilica with a newly built mosque while these same Muslims are terrorizing Christians, defaming Christianity and destroying Christian and Jewish artifacts is re p rehensible. By granting a building permit, the government of Israeli would, in effect, become co-conspirator to criminal Muslim infringement on the rights of the established Israeli Christian minority currently under attack.

Ariel Sharon, Prime Minister:

Tel: 011-972-2-670-5555,

Fax: 011-972-2-670-5475

Webmaster@pmo.gov.il

Eliakim Rubenstein, Attorney General

Tel: 011-972-2-6708523

Fax: 011–972-2-6274481

Rubinstn@knesset.gov.il

Shimon Peres, Foreign Minister

Tel: 011-972-2-530-3519

Fax: 011-972-2-530-3506

Sar@mofa.gov.il

Limor Livnat, Minster of Education

Tel: 011-972-2-560-2272

Fax: 011-972-2-560-2246

Sar@government.gov.il

Dr. Uzi Landau, Minster of Internal Security

Tel: 011-972-2-532-2257,

Fax: 011-972-2-581-1832

Sar@mops.gov.il

Rabbi Benny Elon, Minister of Tourism

Tel: 011-972-675-4830

Fax: 011-972-525-0890

Sar@tourism.gov.il

Avigdor Leiberman, Minister of Infrastructure

Tel: 011-972-2-500-6713

Fax: 011-972-2-500-6715

Sar@mni.gov.il

Natan Sharansky, Minister of Construction & Housing

Fax: 011-972-5-286-1666

Sar@moch.gov.il

This entry was posted on Monday, January 7th, 2002 and is filed under action.