Indonesian interfaith group denounces mid East violence
An interfaith group in Jakarta has passed on a message to the United Nations, condeming the violence in the Middle East. I have a friend in Israel who emailed me today, this is what she said.
‘So far we are safe but Nassralla promissed to reach Natanya. we’ll see about that… still it’s a war. Jerusalem is safest though it’s not that safe to go on a bus in fear of explosion. More than one Tertorist was cought in Jerusalem. they pland to go on a bus and commit a suicide. when ever i enter a bus i prey with all my hurt to get home safe.’
Scary stuff indeed. Here’s what the Jakarta Post has to say.
Religious leaders united against Israel
A group of leaders of different faiths demanded Friday that the UN intervene to put an end to the Israeli military assault on Lebanon.
“We are here to urge the UN to immediately organize a special emergency assembly to discuss the issue,” Muhammadiyah leader Din Syamsuddin (center in photo) said after a meeting with officials at the UN representative office here.
Din was accompanied by several leaders of major religions here, including popular Muslim cleric Abdullah Gymnastiar, Andreas Yewangoe of the Communion of Indonesian Churches (PGI) and Rev. Theophilus Bella of the Catholic community.
UN representative Georg Peterson met the group and said he would convey the message to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Din said Indonesia’s interfaith leaders, like their peers around the world, condemned the Israeli aggression that killed many civilians and devastated scores of vital infrastructure facilities in Lebanon and Palestine.
“We also condemn the killing of members of the UN peace-keeping mission in Lebanon.”
He said the UN should not hesitate to investigate the deaths and take action against Israel for human rights violations.
A reluctance to deal with the issue by the UN would diminish its international reputation for failing to enforce international law and keeping world peace, he added.
The chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara, has sent a letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressing dismay at the UN Security Council’s failure to reach a consensus to stop Israeli military operations.
He described the attacks as a violation of the UN charter and many international covenants.
“…On behalf of Komnas HAM, I appeal to you to seek other means, within the scope of your mandate and competence, to mobilize international actions to ensure that Israel ceases its military operations in Lebanon…,” he said in the letter, of a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post.