In an effort to make the Israeli soldiers think seriously and consciously about the acts they are perpetrating against the civilian population and the resulting violation to Geneva Conventions, the University presented them a memorandum in Arabic, Hebrew and English commenting on the situation at the roadblocks and demanding them to clear the road and keep it open. Following is a text of the memorandum in English: AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ISRAELI ARMY: CEASE AND DESIST DISRUPTION OF PUBLIC ORDER Open the Road to Education and Peace 2 October 2001
We are writing to you on behalf of everyone at Birzeit University, students and staff, alike to try and look beyond all the rhetoric, the media stereotypes and the ugliness of conflict that brutalizes us. The students you see every day, most of whom had crossed other checkpoints before they get to Surda, are just trying to get to classes, to get an education, to get their degrees and a better future. The University staff also are just trying to get to classes, to fulfiling an important job for the next generation of environmentalists, businessmen, engineers, teachers, who they hope may one day live and work in peace. Even as soldiers you should search your consciences and your hearts and ask fundamental questions about what you are doing and ask if there is a margin in the daily mechanics of this military process you are part of, to make a choice and see beyond phantoms of mistrust and hate and discover the reality of humanity which you ought to honor and respect. In the spirit and letter of international law and respect for universal human rights, we educators, students, civilians and international supporters assembled here today in peaceful protest, call upon the Israeli army to immediately evacuate its checkpoints on the Birzeit-Ramallah road and to cease and desist from: - Disruption of public order and civil life These actions are contrary to the Hague and Geneva conventions governing the obligations of an occupying power, those undertaking such actions are liable to international sanctions and prosecution. We remind each and every soldier that respect for international law is a higher obligation than obeying illegal orders. We affirm our belief in universal human rights and respect for all persons and ask for the international community to join us in enforcing these rights and in opening the road to a just peace. For further information about Birzeit University, please visit the University Website at http://www.birzeit.edu
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