I Saw it in Palestine

Update on the Orphans in Hebron

I know several of you will be pleased to know, if you don't already, the "Hebron Orphans" have their own website where you can hear all about what's going on in their own words. Check it out: http://www.hebronorphans.blogspot.com

Here's some more information and a plea to support the orphans by contacting your elected officials. I trust that you know how to get in touch with them. You can also contact the Israeli army here

For Immediate Release: Wednesday 30, April, 2008 3:30 am
Christian Peacemaker Team in Hebron

RAIDED - Hebron Girls Orphanage Sewing Workshop

HEBRON At 1:00 am this morning, April 30th, the Israeli Military raided the Hebron Girls' Orphanage near the intersection of Salaam and Al Adel (Peace and Justice) Streets. Acting on orders issued by Major General Shemni, soldiers looted the workshop of all its sewing and processing machines, office equipment, rolls of cloth, finished clothing and supplies. CPT members documented, with still photos and video, approximately 40 Israeli soldiers emptying the workshop contents into 2 - 40ft. trucks. The estimated value of the physical material taken is $45,000 US. The cost in terms of the fear and terror instilled in the hearts of the little girls living above the workshop is much higher.

Members of Christian Peacemaker Teams and other internationals from Belgium, Britain, Canada, Germany, Holland, and the US have been sleeping in the orphanage. Their concern is for the children who live in fear of the military forcing them out of the place they've come to call home. Their hope last night was that their presence would forestall the army's raid on the workshop. They hoped in vain. CPT's Art Arbour decried this latest effort by the Israeli military in its campaign to close the orphanages, "How can grown men do this to little children?" CPT members documented with still photos 40 Israeli soldiers clearing out the workshop

Statements of support for the orphans have come in from former President Jimmy Carter, from EU Vice President Luisa Morgentini and from representatives of many international organizations worried about the fate of the orphans in Hebron. Please join with them in supporting the orphans.