March 4th, 2002
The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Canada
Mr. Jean Chrétien

Mr. Prime Minister:

The situation in Palestine and Israel is reaching horrifying levels of aggression and violation of international law. I am writing to urge you to use the influence that Canada has to find a long lasting resolution to the situation there. What prompted me to write to you was a shocking story that I am finding hard to comprehend.

In Jenin today, a Palestinian town, the Israeli army opened fire on a Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance, killing the Head of Emergency Services, Dr Khalil Suleiman, and injuring two ambulance workers. The army also opened fire on another ambulance, hitting it with three live bullets and injuring the driver.
It is reported that the Israeli army has attacked Palestinian emergency facilities throughout the Palestinians' uprising against the brutal Israeli occupation of their land. A total of 170 Palestinian physicians and nurses were attacked, eleven doctors, nurses and ambulance drivers have been killed while on duty.

Such attacks demonstrate the Israeli government's grave disregard for international law, particularly articles 16 and 17 of the IV Geneva Convention which expressly protect medical services in conflict situations.

Please Mr. Prime Minister, let Canada demonstrate leadership in resolving this desperate situation. We have brothers and sisters and families there. But, more importantly, basic human rights are being violated by Israel everyday there while the world is watching. Let's not repeat the mistakes and atrocities of World War II when many, simply watched while millions got killed innocently. We are all responsible one hundred percent. Please act.

Sincerely,

Aida Warah, Ph. D.
Ottawa, Ontario