Advert: ACRI and partners again call for investigation of Cast Lead

Thursday, February 04, 2010 10:35 AM

Dear friends,

We wanted to quickly update you on the prominent ad (attached) we published this morning on the front page of Ha’aretz, calling for a credible and independent Israeli investigation of operation Cast Lead. Today (Feb. 4) is the final day allotted for Israel (and Hamas) to respond to the Goldstone report. The text of the ad reads:

The publications of recent days only strengthen what many have already realized.

An Independent Israeli Investigation: It Is Our Duty

Even wars have rules. Even at times of war, harming civilians is forbidden.

We must sincerely examine: what happened during Cast Lead, who is responsible – and how we prevent harming the innocent in the future.

In a democracy, defense is not only of physical being: it is also the defense of our moral values, international law, and human rights.”

The ad is co-signed by: the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI), Bimkom, Gisha, Public Committee Against Torture in Israel, Yesh Din, HaMoked, Adalah, and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel.

In addition to the ad’s direct message, we also feel that in the face of yesterday’s Knesset deliberations and the ongoing attacks on human rights NGOs in Israel, this is yet one example of how steadfast we are in our work, and how we will not be silenced nor scared. Our work for human rights, equality, social justice, and democracy continues undeterred.

Yours,

Hagai El-Ad
Executive Director
Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI)