Open Letter to Attorney-General Mazuz

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The Honorable Attorney General of Israel Menachem Mazuz

Fax Number: +011 972 2 646 7001

E-mail:  pniot@supreme.court.gov.il

and/or   menim@justice.gov.il

The Honorable Attorney General of Israel
Mr. Menachem Mazuz

Dear Mr. Mazuz,

Sir, I request that you reconsider your decision regarding “Beit HaShalom” in Hebron.

It is obvious to all that the house was legally purchased by Jews.  If there is any doubt to that fact, let it be made clear that Jewish families took possession of Beit HaShalom only after it was paid for in full, a fact that was even agreed upon by the judges of the Supreme Court.  All of the proof regarding the sale has been made public, including a video tape recording the actual purchase being made – the physical handing of the money to the seller, Faez Rajabi, as well as an audio tape where he explicitly admits to and describes the sale in great detail.   No one is able to challenge this proof, making the legally valid purchase of this building an obviously legitimate fact. 

Israel considers itself part and parcel of the enlightened and democratic nations of the world, not a dark dictatorship bent on destroying the rights of its citizens.  One of the features of an enlightened democracy is due process, but unfortunately, due process has been utterly ignored in the case of Beit HaShalom.  How is it that the Jews who bought the house have substantial evidence proving their ownership – yet no one in the legal system can even be bothered to take a look at it? 

On the surface, it seems that the purported “justice system” has decided in advance to force the Jews of Beit HaShalom from their rightfully purchased home with all of the "kosher" excuses.  This is a blight on the State of Israel that cannot be allowed to fester.   

Mr. Mazuz, property rights and basic rights are recognized everywhere in the world.  A  Jew from the United States is allowed to buy a house in every city in the world, even in Syria or Iran.  Only in Hebron a Jew can’t buy a house?  How can it be?

Jews have bought homes, property and other assets in Hebron for thousands of years.  No matter how tyrannical or anti-Semitic a regime ruled in Hebron, none ever dared to deny a Jew the basic right of buying a house or property.  Could it be that only the Israeli government would have the privilege to commit such a heinous, evil crime against its own people?

The Arab seller's claim that "he relented" and canceled the sale (which in of itself sounds strange and unreliable) deserves to be investigated and reviewed with proper due process.  Until then, there is no legal basis to remove these Jewish families from their home, Beit HaShalom, where most of them have lived for over a year-and-a-half.  Such an act would be no less than a cruel, provocative and unjust human rights violation which smacks of discrimination and prejudice. 

Sir, I beseech you, please do not act in a way which will cause great disappointment and lack of trust in Israel’s justice system.  I support the State of Israel in every way possible – personally, publicly and financially, but I cannot put up with such a blatant and unjust discriminatory step.  Many of my community would feel that such an act would undoubtedly deal a serious blow to Israel’s image as a just democratic state.

I just can’t forget the fear and shock when faced with the disturbing images of what transpired in Amona – which “coincidentally” also took place in advance of elections.  As a Jew, I was embarrassed by the way the IDF and the police behaved towards unarmed demonstrators, including women and children. I am sure that I express the opinion of many others - Jews and non-Jews alike when I ask you - please do not bring upon yourself the responsibility of another such a tragedy on the eve of elections. 

Mr. Mazuz, with all due respect, I beseech you to immediately revoke the command to remove these Jews from Beit HaShalom while the lower courts deal with the technical legal questions involved. Until that decision, please treat this case with the same objectivity you would employ towards any other person and any other place.