US citizen and San Diego resident Beatrice Dewing is being held at Lod
airport ("Ben Gurion") near Tel Aviv for attempting to visit friends and
holy sites in Bethlehem. A judge has already granted an 'infringement'
against deportation but she is still being prevented from entering the
country.
Beatrice has been held at the airport since Sunday. Her deportation hearing
is scheduled for tomorrow. If she refuses to leave, she will be forced
to leave 'accompanied' by Israeli security to Milan, Italy.
Another Californian, Brook Atherton, from the Bay Area is also being held
and threatened with deportation tomorrow.
We are appealing for their release and entry into the country. Bea's lawyer
has stated that a fax from a congressperson will go a long way to expediting
her release and allowing them to continue their journey.
We ask San Diegans, California residents and everyone you know to call their
congress people to ask them to send faxes to the Israeli Ministry of
Interior asking for the immediate release of Beatrice Dewing and Brooks
Addington, and for their entry into the country. In addition, please call
the American Consulate and Embassy. The number of the Consulate in
Jerusalem is (972)2-622-7230. The number of the embassy in Tel Aviv, is
(972)3-519-7575.
