Expelled Yesha Jews Invited to Knesset, by Hillel Fendel (Israel National News)
The 20 Jews who have been ordered out of their homes in the Shomron for between 6-12 months will be guests of the National Union-National Religious Party faction in the Knesset today.
Some 20 men, some of them married with children, have been banned from their homes by administrative military order. The issues were ordered over four months ago, leaving the men distanced from their families and jobs.
Though no official explanation was given for the orders, it has been explained that the “murchakim” – the expellees – were suspected of activity against Arab olive-harvesters. In fact, however, most of them were never arrested or questioned about such crimes, and in addition, the olive-harvesting season lasts for only a month – whereas they were distanced for 6 to 12 months.
The MKs of the National Union-National Religious Party invited the 20 men and their families for a visit in the Knesset, as a sign of opposition and protest to what they call this “unfair, discriminatory, selective punishment.”
Party spokesman Yigal Amitai also points out that many Israeli farmers have long complained about ongoing property damage caused them by Arabs – yet the police do not take preventative measures to stop it.
Central Command Officer Gen. Yair Naveh, who signed the orders, can be faxed at (0)8-8680240; from abroad, the number is country code 972, followed by 8868-0240. Defense Minister Peretz’s fax number is (0)2-649-6545, and Prime Minister Olmert can be faxed at (0)2-670-5475.