VIDEO - Rabbi Nahman Holtzberg, father of Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, who was killed in the Chabad center in Mumbai, sent a letter to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert on Monday evening asking him not to order the eviction of the disputed house in Hebron during the period of mourning for those murdered in the terror attack.
"With reports in the media speaking of the possibility of evicting the house of peace in Hebron these coming days, we implore you not to commit any act that will polarize and create a schism within the people, at a time when all of the people of Israel are mourning a great tragedy," Holtzberg wrote to Olmert.
"We hope you will take into consideration the feelings of the family and the public and thank you for the efforts of the Israeli government in regards to the identification and burial process," he added.
The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the letter was received.
Hundreds already at the house (Photo: AFP)
Right-wing organizations have been sending text messages to members since Monday afternoon, calling on them to come to the disputed house in Hebron, following rumors that occupants of the home would be evicted late Monday night.
The text messages called on right-wing activists to prevent "the injustice, shame and outrage of the eviction."
Some 40 activists blocked traffic along Highway 1 earlier on Monday in protest of the impending evacuation of the disputed house inthe West Bank city of Hebron.
The activist blocked the Mizpe Jericho junction. Police forces were eventually able dispersed the rally, about one hour after it began.
Defense Minister Ehud Barak metrecently with right wing and settlers' delegates and urged themto avoid an altercation in Hebron.
One of the people who attended the meeting said that the settlers asked Barak to work towards resolving the proprietary dispute, and suggested the eviction of the house be postponed until the new government is sworn in.
Barak urged the settlers to adhere to the High Court of Justice ruling which ordered the house be evacuated; and reassured them that the IDF forces stationed on the premises will remain watchful and prevent any attempt by the Palestinian to re-take the house, until the question of ownership is resolved in the courts.
First published: 19:26, 12.01.8