DALLAS/EWORLDWIRE/Oct. 21, 2008 --- In a closed courtroom on Monday, a secret witness from the Israeli Defense Force, going by the name of Major "Lior" and talking through an interpreter, testified about evidence that was seized during raids on schools, orphanages and charities in Palestine."It became very evident that Israeli intelligence has played a major role in this case," said Noor Elashi, daughter of defendant Ghassan Elashi. 'I watched as the courtroom camera was covered and the doors were locked. Secret agent 'Lior' talked about documents that Israeli Defense Forces seized from Palestinian charities and orphanages. How can all of these factors not raise reasonable doubt?"
These raids where carried out in full military might by the Israeli Defense Force. One of the defense attorneys asked if there was more evidence than what was being presented; the secret witness said there was, but it was up to the Israeli Security Agency to determine what was to be used in this trial.
During the lunch break, supporters with the Hungry for Justice Coalition continued its charity work by feeding the homeless. "We started feeding the homeless once a week, but the need is so great that we will now continue every day," said Hadi Jawad. "We will continue feeding the homeless for the remainder of the trial."
Supporters gathered outside the courthouse and held signs outside the federal courthouse that read, "CHARITY IS NEVER A CRIME," and, "NO GUILT BY ASSOCIATION IN USA," read the other signs. The US government and the Holy Land Foundation gave humanitarian aid to the same charities and communities at the same time. This is what is so puzzling to the defendants, their families and supporters alike.
The re-trial is expected to continue for another three to four weeks, and the outcome will affect all charities across the U.S. The first trial resulted in zero convictions and, in the end, the presiding judge ordered a mistrial.
Hungry for Justice Coalition is composed of national, regional, and local faith-based organizationsand civil rights groups:
. MLFA
. B.O.R.D.C.
. JEWISH VOICE FOR PEACE
. PARTNERSHIP FOR CIVIL JUSTICE
. GREEN PARTY
. C.A.I.R.
. CRAWFORD PEACE HOUSE
. A.N.S.W.E.R.
. MUSLUIM AMERICAN SOCIETY
. LULAC
. HUNGRY FOR JUSTICE
'http://www.hungryforjustice.org'
Contact:
Khalil Meek, Spokesperson
972-849-9188 khalilmeek@gmail.com
Lydia Gonzalez Welch
214-704-8383 lydia@ivuemedia.com
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