To the Editor:
You report that 101 prominent American rabbis have called for “sharing” the Haram al Sharif (also known as the Temple Mount) in East Jerusalem between Jews and Muslims (news article, Dec. 7).
Of course, most Palestinians, whether Muslim or Christian, welcome any appeal for religious tolerance in the Holy City.
However, as several United Nations Security Council resolutions confirm, Israel is conducting a belligerent military occupation of East Jerusalem, as well as the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights.
It seems only reasonable to ask what sort of “sharing” can take place under such conditions.
Therefore, the first requirement of any viable, sustainable and just arrangement that accommodates the religious needs of Jews, Muslims and Christians in East Jerusalem is an end, at long last, to the 33 years of Israeli occupation as required by international law.
HUSSEIN IBISH
Washington, Dec. 7, 2000
The writer is communications director, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.