Date: 13 Oct 00 18:39:01 -0400
Subject: ACJ Urges State Department to Intervene to Prevent Another Tragedy in Jerusalem 


AMERICAN COMMITTEE ON JERUSALEM
ACJ PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                                             	  Contact: Lara Saade
October 13, 2000						   (202) 237-0215

ACJ Urges State Department to Intervene to Prevent Another Tragedy in Jerusalem 

WASHINGTON, DC ­  The American Committee on Jerusalem (ACJ) today urged Secretary of State Madeline Albright to act to prevent the extremist "Temple Mount and Land of Israel Movement" from carrying out its plans to lay the cornerstone for the Third Temple as part of a march around occupied Arab East Jerusalem.

ACJ warned against the explosive consequence of such an act if it is allowed to take place. In his letter, ACJ President Rashid Khalidi stressed: "We urge the United States government to ensure that the government of Israel takes all necessary actions to prevent such a blatant provocation, particularly in view of its failure to do so two weeks ago." Khalidi reminded Albright that Sharon's offensive visit to the Haram as-Sharif on Thursday September 28th triggered the recent round of violence which resulted in the death of over 100 Palestinian civilians, mostly children, and the injury of thousands.

ACJ believes that such an action by the radical group will inevitably be perceived as a further provocation by Palestinians in Jerusalem and especially in the neighborhood of Silwan. Khalidi concluded his letter: "ACJ stresses with the utmost urgency the importance of the U.S. government taking this matter up immediately with the government of Israel."

The text of the announcement of the Temple Mount and Land of Israel Movement can be found on the following address: http://www.templemountfaithful.org/sukkot5761.htm 




American Committee on Jerusalem * 4201 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 302 Washington, D.C. 20008
Tel: (202) 237-0215 * Fax: (202) 244-3196 * e-mail: acj-AT-acj.org
The ACJ is a coalition of various organizations and individuals dedicated to promoting a solution to Jerusalem which addresses the deep attachments of adherents to the three monotheistic religions to the city and the political aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.




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