In the wake of its repeated dismantling by Israeli security forces today and yesterday, the family of David Cohen wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
After explaining that Hazon David was established in memory of their son David, the letter states, in part:
"That place was a small consolation for us…. It is a place that to reporters and military personnel appears to be, perhaps, just a flimsy tent; yet for us, the knowledge that every day and every Sabbath people from Kiryat Arba gathered there with the sole purpose of learning and studying in memory of our dear son – instilled new life."
Addressing Prime Minister Sharon, the letter continues:
"We are turning to you from the depths of our hearts. Not from the considerations of settlers. Not from diplomatic or security considerations. Rather, from considerations of pain, of memory, humanitarian concerns that no one but you can grasp. We are appealing to you – let the memory of our son rest! Leave that tent alone. It may appear flimsy and bare, but, even in its torn and pitiful state, it has great and special importance for us."
David Cohen, 31, was a resident of Betar Illit, in Gush Etzion. Cohen was shot and critically wounded on July 12, 2001; he died the next day in Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital.
After explaining that Hazon David was established in memory of their son David, the letter states, in part:
"That place was a small consolation for us…. It is a place that to reporters and military personnel appears to be, perhaps, just a flimsy tent; yet for us, the knowledge that every day and every Sabbath people from Kiryat Arba gathered there with the sole purpose of learning and studying in memory of our dear son – instilled new life."
Addressing Prime Minister Sharon, the letter continues:
"We are turning to you from the depths of our hearts. Not from the considerations of settlers. Not from diplomatic or security considerations. Rather, from considerations of pain, of memory, humanitarian concerns that no one but you can grasp. We are appealing to you – let the memory of our son rest! Leave that tent alone. It may appear flimsy and bare, but, even in its torn and pitiful state, it has great and special importance for us."
David Cohen, 31, was a resident of Betar Illit, in Gush Etzion. Cohen was shot and critically wounded on July 12, 2001; he died the next day in Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital.