To the Government of Israel,

A democracy is based on the rule of law (including, above all, international law which prohibits the genocide and war crimes that have been perpetrated on the Jewish people during the last century). It is ntirely appropriate (and indeed necessary) for citizen's groups to monitor the actions of their government and to make sure that these actions conform to legal standards. Indeed, it is the duty of all citizens in a democratic state to hold government officials and members of the armed forces accountable for their actions under law.

By threatening Gush Shalom with legal action (and hence punishment) for insisting on the rule of law, the government of Israel has in fact threatened the very existence of democracy in Israel. The same currents of fanaticism and intolerance that support the illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza and oppression of the Palestinian people have predictably extended their wrath and hatred to those Jews in Israel who dissent from these odious policies. If the government of Israel continues its attempt to intimidate Gush Shalom, it will only increase the isolation of Israel from the community of civilized nations.

I call upon the government of Israel to cease this disgraceful violation of democratic norms.

Warren Montag

Professor of English and Comparative Literature

Occidental College

Los Angeles, CA