INTERFAITH PEACE PILGRIMAGE AND SOLIDARITY VISIT TO PALESTINE-ISRAEL

2007 November 4-13 | Jordan and Palestine-Israel

Message from Nobel Peace Prize laureate Adolfo Pérez Esquivel

2007 November 1

Adolfo Pérez Esquivel of Argentina received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1980 for his work in defence of human rights and the liberation of the poor in Latin America through non-violent means. He conveyed his message of solidarity to the Palestinian people in this letter he sent to the delegation through Bishop Aldo Etchegoyen (PfL Continuation Committee member from Argentina).

I wish to express to you, and, through you, to those who will accompany you, my solidarity with and support for the People of Palestine. The trip that you are undertaking to Jordan, Palestine and Israel, through the interreligious organization Peace for Life, to express solidarity with and support for the Palestine people is a sign of hope and strength in achieving the right of an oppressed and, at the same time, resistant people to refuse to lose their freedom, identity and values.

It is necessary to reclaim the right of the Palestinians to have their own land. The oppressive policies of Israel must cease. Within Israel there are many persons, groups and organization supporting the necessity and urgency for Palestine to obtain its rights and self-determination.

My prayers and commitment go with you and I pray that God will guide you and give you strength.

Adolfo Pérez Esquivel