Don't let silence prevail

Jimmy Carter. President of the United States of America 1977-81. Letter read to the 3rd Bil'in Conference on Nonviolent Resistance to the occupation on 4th June 2008 (Article ceded by the Bil'in Popular Committee).

For me it is an honour to speak to you today, all of us united in the fight for peace and justice. By being here, you show that the Palestinian dream of being a nation will not be destroyed in silence. The ongoing occupation of Palestinian land is one of the most serious obstacles to peace. Your nonviolent response to the incessant intrusion of the separation wall is an inspiration which captures the whole world's attention. I compliment all of you – Israelis, Palestinians and others – for your solidarity with the people of Bil'in throughout the last three years. It's a pleasure for me to know that you will hear this message whilst President Mahmoud Abbas is there with you taking part in this conference. I would like to express my deep respect for his leadership of the Palestinian people and I sincerely hope that his endeavour for justice and democratic peace with Israel will prove successful.  

I have always thought that Israel, on taking the decision to construct a wall, should have done so along the Green Line, recognised by the international community in 1949 as the border of Israeli authority. If it had done so, Israel could have upheld its decision under international law based on security needs. However, the route of the wall shows that the main purpose is to confiscate more land beyond the Green Line. Now the wall is both a symbol and symptom of the shattered dream that Israelis and Palestinians could share and enjoy the freedom both communities deserve.  

This wall cuts off Palestinians and separates them from lands their families have owned for generations. Its effect is to destroy the possibility of there being a neighbouring Palestinian state. For many people the wall symbolises the loss in hope for peaceful coexistence and, in turn, a threat to any fragile solution between both States. At this conference you have decided to raise the voices of protest against this destiny and I applaud you for doing so.

In 2004, the International Court of Justice declared the construction of the Israeli wall in the occupied West Bank as contrary to international law. It also asked Israel to halt construction of the wall, dismantle what had already been built within the occupied
Palestinian territories and, what's more, repair the damage caused to the Palestinians affected by the wall. Given that Israel ignored the International Court of Justice ruling, the Supreme Court last year declared the current route of the wall as “highly detrimental” to the inhabitants of Bil'in. Hence I urge the Israeli government to respect this decision and to carry out suitable actions.

I hope that, under the leadership of its president, the borders of Israel and Palestine are soon established and that any agreement leads to the two nations living a close-knit life in mutual peace and in harmony with the world. The people of Bil'in, and of Israel, could then be freed from all hostilities.

That is my dream for you and for all of us.