Date sent: Thu, 08 Aug 2002 22:47:58 -0500 From: "R. Ruth Linden, Ph.D." <rrlinden@earthlink.net> To: Prime Minister Ariel Sharon <pm_eng@pmo.gov.il>, Spokesperson of the Prime Minister <dover@pmo.gov.il>, Defence Minister Benjamin Beneliezer <sar@mod.gov.il>, Spokesperson Defence Ministry <info@mail.idf.il>, Foreign Minister Shimon Peres <sar@mofa.gov.il> Subject: Democracy, Human Rights, and International Law In a democratic state it is every citizen’s duty to safeguard the principles of justice and due process and the laws protecting civil and human rights.. The warning letters sent by Gush Shalomto IDF officers. demonstrate a strong commitment to protecting the democratic principles and values that underpin democracy in Israel. Since March-April 2002, internationally respected human rights organizations have amassed significant evidence of the IDF’s widespread violations of the human rights of Palestinians living in the Occupied Territories.. The Israeli government’s nascent steps to commence legal proceedings against Gush Shalom arouse suspicion that it might wish to cover up war crimes and other illegal conduct. Since the time of the Prophets we Jews have been exhorted to follow the path of justice in times of war and peace.. The government of Israel is not exempt from these exhortations.. . Dr. R. Ruth Linden. University of California, San Francisco. .