Dear Friends,<\/p>\n
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Early next week, Israel will mark its 69th Independence Day. I remember when I was young, there was a map of Israel hanging in my classroom in Eilat, and in honor of Independence Day we would draw little Israeli flags around it. I wonder what that map would have looked like. How were its borders marked? Which map hangs today in Israeli classrooms?
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Sovereign states are characterized by clear, established, and sovereign borders. Borders have a tremendous impact on people, as they determine the legal regime and status applicable to them, and affect their rights and duties.
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In a sovereign state like Israel, it should be fairly simple to find an official map of the country, right? Not really. We looked for a map on the official websites of the Prime Minister\u2019s Office and the Foreign Ministry, but were unable to find one. The government map website features a map that spans from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea; this contradicts Israel\u2019s official stance, according to which the West Bank is not under its sovereignty.
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So where are our borders? The answer to this question is relevant to every Israeli citizen. It also has dramatic implications for Palestinians living in the occupied territories. Yesterday, we sent a letter to Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requesting an official map, which clearly delineates the State of Israel\u2019s sovereign borders. I hope that our request is met with the seriousness it deserves. Borders, sovereignty, and human rights are serious issues.
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During the course of 69 years we have amassed impressive achievements. I hope we will soon establish clear and agreed upon sovereign borders, which will enable all people living within and around them to live in full dignity and freedom.
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Yours,
\nSharon<\/p>\n
Adv. Sharon Abraham-Weiss
\nExecutive Director
\nThe Association for Civil Rights in Israel<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Dear Friends, Early next week, Israel will mark its 69th Independence Day. I remember when I was young, there … Read more