Visit to the Holy Land will stay in your heart

I AM writing to you following the publication of Mr Teegan’s letter (January 17) and Ambassador Modai’s response (January 20).

As someone who travels regularly to the West Bank and has seen the effects of the illegal Israeli occupation on the people of Palestine, I find myself in the unusual position of agreeing with Ambassador Modai. Ambassador Modai is correct when he stated that the number of those killed during Operation Cast Lead as stated by Mr Teegan (1,500) is inaccurate. Unfortunately, however, Ambassador Modai did not clarify the situation for your readers.

Whereas his own government accepts the figure of 1,166 people killed during the attack on the people of Gaza, NGOs place the overall figure of those killed by the Israeli army, navy and airforce during the 23 day offensive at closer to 1,400. So while Mr Teegan may have been slightly mistaken as to the exact numbers of those killed, I think we’re all agreed that many hundreds of innocent men, women and children were killed by Israeli troops during this military operation.

I, too, encourage people to visit the Holy Land and to stay in the West Bank. Take the opportunity to pray in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem with local Palestinian people, to visit Jacob’s Well in Nablus or to visit Bethany. The memories of these places and the Palestinian people you meet will make a lasting impression on you and will be forever in your heart.

Elaine Daly

Newbridge

Co Kildare