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Photo: Tzvika Tishler
Ramat Aviv, or Sheikh Munis?
Photo: Tzvika Tishler

Tel Avivians get 'eviction notices'

Residents of trendy north Tel Aviv receive 'eviction notices' similar to those distributed in Gaza last week

Residents of north Tel Aviv had a surprise waiting for them in their mailboxes Thursday morning: An "eviction notice" similar to the ones distributed in Gush Katif last week.

 

"To Israeli citizens resident in north Tel Aviv," began the letter, and proceeded to order people out of their homes by the end of the August. 

 

The letter appeared to be an "official" letter, complete with IDF stamp, and referred to north Tel Aviv as Sheikh Munis, the name of the Arab village that occupied the area before Israel gained independence. 

 

"Residents of north Tel Aviv: According to the Disengagement Law of 2005 and in accordance with the government and by order of the prime minister, you are required to evacuate your homes and to leave the north Tel Aviv area – Shiekh Munis, no later than August 31, 2005 at 12:00 midnight. 

 

"At that time, the 'voluntary' stage of the pullout will end, and roadblocks will be placed at the entrances to Ramat Aviv, Neveh Avivim, Afka, Maoz Aviv, Hadar Yosef, Naot Afka, Ramot Tzahala, Shikun Dan and Yisgav. Further entry of Israeli civilians to these areas will be forbidden." 

 

"Beginning at midnight on August 31, 2005, it will be illegal for Jews to be present in north Tel Aviv/ Sheikh Munis."

 

"For years, the IDF has protected the settlements of the Tel Aviv area as partners, with a feeling of national responsibility. We will carry out this mission, too, with feelings of partnership and with deep understanding for your pain.

 

But the IDF, as the army of a democratic country and beholden to the rule of law, will carry out its orders to the fullest.

 

Beginning at 12:01 on September 6, 2005, your forced eviction will begin. At that time, security forces will evict residents who have chosen to stay in the area and require security forces to clash with in order to carry out the law.

 

"I am confident your commitment to the rule of law and the continuity of our nation will guide your protests."

 

The letter concluded, "I pray for the wellbeing of us all – Israeli citizens resident in Tel Aviv, the IDF and police forces, and was signed, "With respect and admiration, Ariel Sharon, Director, Disengagement Program"

 

Legitimate protest

 

25-year-old Dvir Gassner says he was amused by the letter he found in his mailbox Thursday morning.

 

"I saw the letters in all the mailboxes when I got home last night," he said. "I think it’s a funny, ridiculous idea. I think they are trying to bring their pain and misfortune to ordinary Tel Avivians.

 

"But I think it's a legitimate protest," he said.

 

Liron Zaidan, a leader of the Orange Cell student group at Tel Aviv University, claimed the stunt was perpetrated by teenagers acting alone.

 

"The idea itself is a good one, but it's not ours," he said. "We are too busy packing the refugees things up and dismantling greenhouses."

 

Zaidan also called on the general public to support former residents of Netzer Hazani, currently camped out in a park in central Tel Aviv.

 

"It doesn't matter if they are for or against the (disengagement) program – we are one people. The very least they could do would be not to ignore them."

 


פרסום ראשון: 08.25.05, 12:13
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