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Israel’s ambassador to Holy See tells AsiaNews PM’s visit to Benedict XVI and Secretary of State is important as bilateral talks between Israel and Holy See resume in Jerusalem. The Cenacle on Mt Zion and holy sites around the Sea of Galilee remain sticking points….
THE MAN IN CHARGE OF NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE VATICAN:
Franciscan Fr. David-Maria Jaeger is, by any measure, a remarkable man. Born of Jewish parents in Tel Aviv, Jaeger converted to Christianity and became a Catholic priest in 1986. A noted canon lawyer, he is credited with being the principal drafter and lead negotiator of the Fundamental Agreement between the Holy See and Israel that took effect in 1994. He continues to be involved in negotiations on subsidiary agreements. He is also the spokesperson for the Franciscans who govern the holy sites in Jerusalem and environs.
EMAIL WRITING CAMPAIGN:
It’s essential that the powers-that-be start receiving mail from as many sectors as possible (last time the flood of emails, faxes and phone calls was effective). We have very little time – so do it today!
SAMPLE LETTER:
Dear________
Once again it has come to my attention, via Italian Catholic news sources, that the Mt. Zion complex is on the agenda for negotiations between the Vatican and Israel. And that it will be a topic of conversation between Ehud Olmert and the Pope.
I find that unacceptable, and will use all democratic and legal means to oppose any agreement with the Vatican over the area in, around, or above the traditional Tomb of King David. Mt. Zion is a Jewish treasure.
Although Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican, Oded Ben Hur, denies any such negotiations over the Upper Room/Cenacle Shrine; Catholic and Vatican news sources, representatives and affiliated organizations continue to relentlessly promote such a concept.
I would like clarification on the matter, and assurances that:
a) the Mt. Zion complex, including King David’s Tomb and the Diaspora Yeshiva campus will not be infringed upon, nor will the Jewish nature and environment of the area be disturbed by Catholic religious rituals and services.
b) that there be no linkage between property on Mt. Zion and the 1993 Fundamental Agreement (No relinquishing of control or granting of special privileges to the Catholic church)
I would appreciate your clarification as soon as possible.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
EMAIL ADDRESSES OF POLITICIANS:
Tourism Minisiter MK Yitzchak Herzog: iherzog@knesset.gov.il
Finance Minister MK Avraham Hirshson: ahirshson@knesset.gov.il
PM Ehud Olmert
eulmert@knesset.gov.il, PMO.HEB@it.pmo.gov.il, legal@pmo.gov.il, rivka.paluch@it.pmo.gov.il
Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianski:
LPURI@jerusalem.muni.il
MK Edri, Minister of Jerusalem: yedri@knesset.gov.il
Telephone: 02-6753939/754, 02-67537354
Fax: 02-6753929
MK Eli Yishai, Head of Shas faction: lishka.sar@moital.gov.il,
eyishay@knesset.gov.il
Telephone: 02-6408406/7
Tel: 02-6662252/3
Fax: 02-6662909
Government Ministers;
MK Gidon Ezra: gezra@knesset.gov.il
M K Avi Dichter: adichter@knesset.gov.il
MK Yuli Tamir: ytamir@knesset.gov.il
MK Roni Baron: rbaron@knesset.gov.il
MK Pines-Paz: pinespaz@knesset.gov.il
MK Rafi Eitan: reitanhantman@knesset.gov.il
MK Yitzchak Cohen: izchakec@knesset.gov.il
MK Eitan Kabel: ecabel@knesset.gov.il
Shas MK’s:
lishka.sar@moital.gov.il; dazulay@knesset.gov.il; izchakec@knesset.gov.il; ymargi@knesset.gov.il ; mnahari@knesset.gov.il; aatias@knesset.gov.il; eyishay@knesset.gov.il; eamsalem@knesset.gov.il; slomob@knesset.gov.il; yvaknin@knesset.gov.il; knesset.gov.il
Mafdal and National Unity MK’s:
zorlev@knesset.gov.il ; efye@knesset.gov.il ; aeldad@knesset.gov.il ; belon@knesset.gov.il ; uria@knesset.gov.il ; egabai@knesset.gov.il; zhendel@knesset.gov.il; ithakl@knesset.gov.il; nslomianski@knesset.gov.il
Yahadut Hatorah MK’s:
shmuelh@knesset.gov.il; ycohen@knesset.gov.il;
ylitzman@knesset.gov.il;mporush@knesset.gov.il; aravitz@knesset.gov.il