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 Israeli Army Occupies Bethlehem University
Rome, 2 April 2002 |
Dear Brothers,
Dear Partners and Associates in Lasallian Mission,
Dear Friends and Members of the Lasallian Family,
  Please be advised that at 02:45 on the morning of 2 April the Israeli army entered the property of Bethlehem University. After ascertaining that there were in fact no groups or individuals hiding on the campus, the soldiers informed the Brothers in charge of the administration of the University that they were not leaving the campus and that they "might be remaining on campus for a while." Hence, we want you to be informed that the Israeli army presently occupies Bethlehem University. This is the first time in twenty-six years of operation that this has occurred.
The University is Church-owned property, and the Brothers of the Christian Schools conduct the University at the request and on behalf of the Vatican. Although classes have been postponed indefinitely, a community of Brothers lives on the campus. This international community of Brothers is made up of 8 American, 1 Palestinian, and 3 British citizens.
Our concern is that the occupation of this Church-owned property by the Israeli army has the very real potential, in present circumstances, of inviting serious conflict and fighting on University property. Through no fault of Bethlehem University, Church property could turn into a flashpoint in the current fighting between Israelis and Palestinians. Lives are endangered. The potential for unnecessary and costly destruction of Church property is real. This military occupation of the campus will undoubtedly further contribute to the escalating frustration of the Palestinian people. It robs them of another neutral and hope-filled space in a land tumbling into violent chaos. It threatens the very future of this Christian institution of higher learning, which has until now served as a sign of hope and as a constructive path toward a meaningful future for countless Palestinian young people and their families.
We urge you, then, to do whatever you can, before the present crisis worsens, to encourage restraint and to end the reckless escalation of violence of which this military occupation of Bethlehem University by the Israeli army is only a manifestation.
Very sincerely yours,
Bro. Alvaro Rodríguez, FSC
Superior General
Bro. William Mann, FSC
Vicar General |
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