Dear Editor,
On the last Saturday in July, my wife and I were among those in Woodstock who received a half- page flier from someone on the Green demonstrating for Ahava. Concerned with the accuracy of statements and allegations in the flier, I did some research and -- for the benefit of your readers who also received that missive -- write to share the results.
Flier: "Mud and materials used in Ahava cosmetics are not excavated in an occupied area. The minerals are mined in the Israeli part of the Dead Sea which is undisputed internationally." Research shows: In her article, "The Case Against Ahava Dead Sea Laboratories", Nancy Krikorian wrote, "The mud that is used in the Ahava products is taken from a site that is next to the settlement of Kalia." The results of a "Geo Names" map search indicates clearly that Kalia is at the northwest end of the Dead Sea. That's Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Flier: "Mitzpe Shalem, a west bank kibbutz, where Ahava products are produced is not an illegal settlement." Research shows: Mitzpe Shalem may not be illegal under Israeli law, but it is illegal under International Law. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention states, "The occupying power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own population into the territories it occupies."
Flier: "The Dead Sea is clearly Israeli. Mitzpe Shalem is within the green line which makes it just as much a settlement as Tel Aviv." Research shows: The Dead Sea forms part of the border between Jordan, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The eastern half of the Dead Sea is part of Jordan, while the western half is divided between Israel (south) and the Occupied Palestinian Territory (north). Mitzpe Shalem is inside the Green Line...which means it's in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Tel Aviv is outside the Green Line.
Flier: "The boycott is aimed at the delegitimization of the state of Israel." Research shows: The boycott of Ahava is not aimed at de-legitimizing the state of Israel, but at ending its occupation of Palestinian territory.
Flier: "Middle East Crisis Response Group is devoted to the destruction of Israel." Research shows: MECR is not devoted to the destruction of Israel, but to working for peace with justice for all those who live in the region.
Submitted in the hope that clarity will lead to better understanding,
Paul Rehm