Jerusalem/Al-Aqsa Mosque damaged by arson – Communications – Letter from Jordan

LETTER DATED 12 SEPTEMBER 1969 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF

JORDAN ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL

In my statement yesterday before the Security Council, I referred to certain communications of various kinds, including cables and letters from officials of Governments, non-governmental organizations and institutions, including religious bodies and private individuals, sent to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General emphasizing the outrage, shock and dismay of world public opinion at the crime of burning Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on 21 August 1969, and calling for adequate United Nations action.

I enclose herewith seventeen communications by Heads of States and officials of Governments together with fifty-eight other communications of various kinds.

I shall be grateful if Your Excellency will arrange for the circulation of  this letter and its enclosures as an official document of the Security Council.

Please accept, etc.

(Signed)  Muhammad H. EL-FARRA

  Ambassador

  Permanent Representative


I.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM HEADS OF STATES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

 

LETTER DATED 29 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

OF MALDIVES ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

 

On the instructions of my Government, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the Maldivian Government is deeply shocked and grieved by the  grave event of 21 August 1969 when the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem was heavily damaged by arson.

In this connexion, the Maldivian Government and people join with the rest of the Muslim world in their anguish and sorrow and wish to associate with the sentiments expressed in the telegraphic communication of 22 August 1969 (A/7587, S/9407) addressed to Your Excellency and the President of the Security Council by the representatives of the Muslim countries, Members of the United Nations.  We attach particular importance to paragraph 5 of this communication and express the hope that suitable action on those lines will be taken urgently.

I request that the text of this letter be circulated as documents of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

 

   (Signed)  Abdul SATTAR

Permanent Representative of the Republic

    of Maldives to the United Nations

___________

*  Previously issued as document S/9430.

* * *

 

LETTER DATED 2 SEPTEMBER 1969 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

OF THE UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLICS ADDRESSED TO THE

SECRETARY-GENERAL*

I would ask you to circulate the attached TASS statement concerning the arson of the Al Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem as an official document of the Security Council of the United Nations.

Accept, Sir, etc.

 

   (Signed) Y. MALIK

Permanent Representative of the USSR

 to the United Nations

____________

*   Previously issued as document S/9426.

* * *

TASS STATEMENT

The Soviet public has learned with indignation of the burning, in the Arab part of Jerusalem under occupation by the Israel armed forces, of the Al Aksa Mosque, one of the most ancient and unique monuments of Arab architecture in the Middle East, a site to which many of the faithful have made pilgrimages and which is considered to be one of the Moslem Holy Places.

This crime has aroused a wave of righteous rage and indignation throughout the countries of the Near and Middle East, Asia and Africa.

The Israel Government and the imperialist circles supporting the Israel aggression cannot but bear the responsibility for this act of vandalism. Furthermore, the occupiers are continuing their provocative acts against peaceful citizens.  In response to peaceful protest demonstrations by the Arab population in Jerusalem, Nablus and other occupied towns, the Israel authorities have sent parachutists and sub-machine gunners to deal with the demonstrators.

The present Israel leaders, relying on the support of imperialist and Zionist circles in the West, have no wish to heed world public opinion, defy the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law, and try to undermine any settlement of the conflict in the Middle East.

Recent events in the Arab part of Jerusalem connected with the burning of the Al Aksa Mosque and the planned destruction by the Israelis of whole blocks of dwellings lived in by the Arab population again confirm the need for all peace-loving countries and peoples to take urgent measures to eliminate the consequences of the imperialist aggression by Israel and, first and foremost, to secure the immediate withdrawal of the Israel army from Arab territories occupied since the time of the aggression in June 1967.

The Soviet public shares the justified indignation of the Arab peoples over the Israel authorities' barbaric actions on occupied Arab territories and calls upon all people of good will interested in the preservation of peace to support the speediest possible political settlement in the Middle East and the establishment of a just and lasting peace in this area in accordance with the Security Council resolution of 22 November 1967 in the interests of the countries and peoples of this region.

* * *

LETTER DATED 28 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE CHARGÉ D'AFFAIRES A.I. OF SAUDI ARABIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

I have the honour, upon instructions from my Government, to enclose herewith the appeal addressed by His Majesty King Faisal Ibn Abdulaziz to the Muslim world in connexion with the fire by arson in the Al Aqsa Mosque committed by Israel in occupied Jerusalem.

Your Excellency is undoubtedly aware of the extreme anxiety of the Saudi Arabian Government and people regarding this latest barbaric act, and of the deep sentiment in which they, together with the entire Muslim world, hold the Al Aqsa Mosque, which is their First Kibla and Third Holiest Shrine, as well as the place of Ascension of the Prophet Mohamed (God's blessings be upon Him).

 

The holiness and veneration of Jerusalem in general and Al Aqsa in particular is a basic and genuine part of our faith as Muslims who look forward to the liberation of Jerusalem from the yoke of Israeli occupation.

May I request that this letter and enclosure be circulated as official

documents of the General Assembly and Security Council.

                                         (Signed)     Taha ALDEGHATHER

                                                   Chargé d'affaires a.i.

                   

*  Previously issued as document S/9422.

 

* * *

APPEAL BY HIS MAJESTY KING FAISAL

From Faisal Ibn Abdulaziz to the Islamic World:

In this historic moment, when the sinful hand of Zionism has encroached upon the First Kibla and the Third of the holy Harams, as well as the place of Ascension of the Prophet Mohamed, God's blessings be upon Him, I appeal to Moslem leaders and their peoples the world over to rise to liberate Islamic shrines in our beloved Jerusalem, armed with our faith, which is indeed the strongest weapon. These leaders and their peoples must at all times take into their consideration what God has promised in the Holy Koran, "And it was due from us to aid those who believed."

God also promises that "We will, without doubt, help our apostles and those who believe, both in this world's life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth."

As you are aware, world Zionism is proceeding in its criminal aggression undeterred by any spiritual morals or religious beliefs, making a mockery of all United Nations resolutions and human values, and only heeding the use of force, particularly after the United Nations has become impotent    compelling Israel to implement any of its resolutions.

Brethren,

All peaceful solutions that are appearing daily are but a mirage giving an opportunity to world Zionism to execute its expansionist policies in exercising  world influence.

Brethren,

I appealed to you during the Pilgrimage of last year to rise for the liberation of your religious shrines in our beloved Palestine, and I now appeal to you to declare Holy War after having exhausted all peaceful means.

We are confident that all peoples of the world who believe in God, and who hold dearly the principles of righteousness and equity will help us in our Cause, and will also rise to support us.

We Moslems look forward, very shortly, to the day when we will meet on the soil of Jerusalem to liberate our usurped land, to save our holy shrines from the claws of treacherous Zionism and to win one of two deeds, either victory or martyrdom.

* * *

LETTER DATED 29 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES, A.I., OF

JORDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

Upon instructions from my Government I would like to refer to the two letter of the Israeli representative, of 22 and 25 August 1969 (A/7586, S/9403 and S/940 A/7589) and to state the following:

In his futile efforts to evade the responsibility of Israel for the tragic fire in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Israeli representative tried to divert the attention of the world by claiming that a fire had broken out in the Mosque in either 1963 or 1964; my Government categorically denies the occurrence of the alleged fire.  It is important to emphasize that the arson to the Aqsa Mosque was committed while Jerusalem was under Israeli military occupation.

The deep sense of anguish and anger which has moved Moslem and non-Moslem States and peoples, is a definite rejection of the contentions and measures referred to in the letters of the Israeli representative.

The Higher Moslem Council of Jerusalem declared to the world (after it had formed a special committee to investigate the fire) that the fire was deliberate and the Israeli authorities were not only slow but tried to prevent the population from helping to extinguish the fire.

In the light of the clear responsibility of the Israeli authorities, the mysterious objectives of the arson, the ignoring by Israel of the Committee appointed by the Higher Moslem Council of Jerusalem and the appeal of the twenty five Moslem States to the President of the Security Council and the Secretary-General, Israel is in no position to arrogate to itself the role of a judge in the case.

The deterioration of the situation in the Middle East is the result of the continued military occupation of Jerusalem and Arab territories by Israel and it refusal to implement the United Nations resolutions in this regard.

I have the honour to request that this letter be circulated as an official document of the General Assembly and the Security Council.

Please accept, etc.

 

                                         (Signed)  Hani KHASSAWNEH

                                                Chargé d'Affaires a.i.

                        

*  Previously issued as document S/9424.

* * *

LETTER DATED 28 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES, A.I. OF

THE SOMALI REPUBLIC ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

I have the honour to request that the contents of the message addressed to you by the Prime Minister of Somalia, His Excellency Mohamed Ibrahim Egal, and contained in my letter No. G/44(782) dated 22 August 1969, be circulated as a document of the Security Council.

Please accept, etc.

                                         (Signed)  Dr. Mohamed WARSAMA

                                                  Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.

On instructions from my Government, I have the honour to transmit to you the following message:

"The Somali Government and its people are aghast and shocked with the horror and unbelievable news of the latest criminal action of Israel in burning the most sacred holy mosque in Jerusalem.

 

Nothing could demonstrate more adequately the diabolic bellicosity of the Israelis than this violation of the sanctity of a universal holy shrine.  This action of Israel further demonstrates without any shadow of a doubt the complete untrustworthiness of the Israel Government who justified their presence in this Holy City with the provision of an equal and adequate protection for all the holy shrines of the various faiths.

In view of the gravity and enormity of the situation arising from this criminal action on the part of Israel, the Somali Government is taking the necessary steps for an immediate convening of the Security Council."

Accept, Excellency, etc.

 

                                          (Signed)  Dr. Mohamed WARSAMA

                                                   Chargé d'Affaires, a.i.

                              

                     

*  Previously issued as document S/9418.

* * *

 

LETTER DATED 27 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES A.I.

OF SYRIA ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL*

 

On instructions from my Government I have the honour to enclose the text of a communication addressed by the Foreign Minister of Syria, Dr. Mustafa El-Sayed, to Your Excellency in your capacity as the President of the Security Council for the month of August, regarding the latest Israeli crime of arson perpetrated against the Aksa Mosque in occupied Eastern Jerusalem.

I wish to request that the enclosed communication be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

 

                                           (Signed) Rafic JOUEJATI

                                                Chargé d'Affaires a.i.

_____________

*  Previously issued as document S/9415.

* * *

26 August 1969

Excellency:

The Government and people of Syria have learned with profound concern and indignation of the arson of Al-Aksa Mosque, one of the holiest places of Islam and an outstanding contribution to world culture and civilization.  The destruction by fire of Al-Aksa Mosque is but a new deliberate and calculated Israeli crime conforming with the declared policy of the Israeli occupying authorities, aiming at the total Zionization of the whole city of Jerusalem by the systematic obliteration of every trace of Islamic and Arab life, culture and civilization.

This additional ominous step to further consolidate the Israeli unlawful annexation of the Holy City constitutes an affront to the United Nations and its many resolutions, namely resolutions 2253 (ES-V) and 2254 (ES-V) of 4 and 14 July 1967 of the General Assembly and 252 (1968) and 267 (1969) of the Security Council.  All these resolutions have urgently called upon Israel to rescind forthwith all measures taken by it which tend to change the status of Jerusalem and deplored Israeli actions aimed at altering the status of the Holy City.  Resolution 267 (1969) unanimously adopted by the Security Council on 3 July 1969 reflects the shock and deep concern of world public opinion and members of the Security Council arising from Israel's ominous design to destroy entire Arab quarters in the Old City of Jerusalem.  This resolution, while reaffirming resolution 252 (1968), emphatically deplores "the failure of Israel to show any regard for the General Assembly and Security Council resolution".  It also censures in the strongest terms all measures taken to change the status of the City of Jerusalem and declares – as the two above-mentioned resolutions of the General Assembly do – "invalid all legislative and administrative measures and actions by Israel which purport to alter the status of Jerusalem".

Despite all these demands, censures, condemnations emanating from the highest organs of the United Nations, the Israeli occupying authorities have arrogantly pursued their calculated expansionist and annexationist design unhampered by the decisions of the world Organization, or by world public opinion.  The burning of the Al-Aksa Mosque comes now to crown the Israeli uncivilized and inhuman practices in occupied Arab territories.

In illustrating Israeli defiance of the World Organization, it suffices to refer to His Excellency U Thant's report submitted under Security Council resolution 252 (1968) of May 1968, (S/9149).  The report contains a request by the Secretary-General to the Government of Israel to provide him with such "information necessary in the discharge of his reporting responsibilities on Jerusalem", under that resolution.  The Israeli reply to the Secretary-General was a stubborn refusal to provide him with any information except that Israel was determined to carry out the annexation of Arab Jerusalem, officially stating that Jerusalem is non-negotiable.  Confronted with this new Israeli affront, the Secretary-General had no choice but to publish in annexes 1 and 2 of his report the text of two Israeli laws, namely the "Legal and Administrative Matters (regulation) Law 5728-1968 published in Sefer Ha'Chukkim No. 542 of 23 August 1968" and the "Administrative Matters (regulation) Law 5728-1968 published in Hatza'ol No. 787 of 14 July 1968 (pp. 352-362)".  The direct effect of these two laws and their subsequent amendment was the extension of the control of the occupying Israeli forces over all walks of Arab business and civilian activities in Arab Jerusalem.

I wish to stress that the responsibility of the Israeli occupying authorities for the arson of the Al-Aksa Mosque has been established on firm grounds.  Despite the distortion and the falsification that the Israeli propaganda machine is desperately spreading around the world, the fact remains that Arab citizens from East Jerusalem were cynically prevented by the illegal occupying authorities from taking part in quelling the fire, while it was still possible to intervene and minimize the damage.

The "Commission of Inquiry" set up by Israeli occupying authorities can in no way delude world public opinion.  It is indeed an aberration of the precept of justice that the conqueror should arrogate to himself the right to establish and judge his own guilt.  Moreover, by using the names of one or two Arabs among the members of the Israeli "Commission of Inquiry", Israel has only introduced a new gimmick to the record of Israeli "justice".  The trial of the Israeli perpetrators of the Massacre of Kafer Kasem in October 1956, and their subsequent reward and promotion sheds ample light on the nature of

this "justice".

In view of the grave situation resulting from the Israeli deliberate and calculated act of vandalism against one of the holiest shrines of the Arab and Moslem peoples, we strongly urge the Security Council to fully perform the duty incumbent upon it in order to preserve the integrity and the character of the Islamic holy places, to protect Arab life, property and heritage in occupied Jerusalem, to thwart any attempt by the Israeli occupying authorities from inflicting similar harm or destruction on the Christian Holy places as well and to put an end to the ruthless and inhuman occupation of the Holy City. Unless the United Nations organs discharge their responsibility under the Charter to bring about the withdrawal of the armed forces of the conqueror from the occupied Jerusalem and from all occupied Arab territories, the situation prevailing in the whole area will fatally jeopardize international peace and security.

Please accept, etc.

 

                                               (Signed)  Mustafa EL-SAYED

                                                   Minister of Foreign Affairs

* * *

LETTER DATED 26 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

OF INDIA ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL*

I have the honour to enclose the text of a statement made in the Indian Parliament by the Foreign Minister of India on 26 August 1969 concerning the burning of the Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

I should be grateful if you could have this letter together with its enclosure circulated as a document of the Security Council.

                                          (Signed)  S. SEN

`                          Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

                                   Permanent Representative of India to the

                                                United Nations

 

* * *

Statement made by the Foreign Minister of India in the Indian Parliament

on 26 August 1969

1. According to information received from our Embassy in Amman the famous Al Aqsa Mosque was set on fire around 7 a.m. on Thursday, 21 August 1969.  The fire lasted about three hours and damaged the southeastern wing of the Mosque.  The central portion, including the main dome, has fortunately remained unharmed.

2. The Government and people of India are deeply shocked and pained at this sacrilege of the holy shrine.  I am sure the House will join me in expressing our strong condemnation of this act of desecration.

3. The continued occupation of Jerusalem by Israel in defiance of resolutions of the United Nations is a matter of grave concern.  This shocking incident makes it imperative that the resolutions of the Security Council on Jerusalem should be implemented without delay.  In this context Israel cannot be absolved of responsibility for this outrage.

4. Our Missions are already in touch with Governments of some friendly countries to see what further action needs to be taken.

                                          

*  Previously issued as document S/9413.

* * *

LETTER DATED 25 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF PAKISTAN

TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

 

I have the honour to enclose the text of the statement of the President of Pakistan with regard to the extensive damage caused by arson to the Al Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest shrines of Islam.

I should be grateful if Your Excellency would have this letter circulated, together with its enclosure, as a document of the Security Council and the General Assembly.

                                         (Signed)  Agha SHAHI

                                   Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary

                                   and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to

                                                the United Nations

                      

*  Previously issued as document S/9409.

* * *

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF PAKISTAN

 

The feelings of Muslims throughout the world have been deeply outraged and wounded by the fire in the Al Aqsa Mosque, which is their first Quibla and one of the holiest of Muslim shrines.  It would be deplored and condemned by the followers of all faiths in the world.  The international community must hold Israel fully responsible for this sacrilegious act.  The Security Council should ensure Israeli compliance with its resolutions and observance of the universally recognized principles of civilized behaviour.  Pakistan will concert action with other Muslim countries for safeguarding the Muslim Holy Places and for the restoration of Jerusalem.  Muslim unity is a paramount necessity at this juncture.

* * *

CABLE DATED 23 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ISLAMIC

REPUBLIC OF MAURITANIA TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

 

We were deeply shocked to learn of the criminal burning of the Al Aqsa Mosque. The profanation and destruction of this holy place of Islam once again unmask the true intentions of the Zionist authorities of Tel-Aviv and unquestionably constitute a serious contravention of the principles of international morality.  This act is another challenge hurled by Israel, not only at the entire Moslem world, but also at the United Nations, whose various resolutions Israel ignores with impunity. The entire Mauritanian nation strongly condemns this odious and unprecedented act. My Government protests most vigorously and requests that you inform the Security Council to that effect most urgently.

Highest consideration.

 

                                                (Signed)  Moktar CUID DADDAH

 

                         

*  Previously issued as document S/9412.

* * *

LETTER DATED 22 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES A.I. OF LIBYA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

 

I have the honour, upon instruction from my Government, to inform Your Excellency of the grave concern with which the Libyan Government views the fire caused by arson in Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem.

This outrageous incident in violation of the freedom of worship and in disregard of the adherents of other religions, proves without any doubt that Israel has no respect for the Holy Places.  For the whole period of time preceding its occupation by Israel, these Holy Places and shrines enjoyed full protection and respect.  Such a shameless and aggravating act to which the Holy Places were subjected today is due to the acts perpetrated by the Israeli occupiers.  Organs of the United Nations and all peace-loving States are called upon to put an end to such criminal acts, which are in contradiction to all religions, morality and international behaviour.

I would like to request, Your Excellency, to have this letter circulated as a document of the Security Council and the General Assembly.

                                               (Signed)  Ibrahim SULEIMAN

                                                        Chargé d'affaires, a.i.

 

                               

*  Previously issued as document S/9402.

 

* * *

LETTER DATED 21 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES A.I. OF MOROCCO

ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

On the instructions of His Majesty the King of Morocco, I have the honour to enclose the text of a cable sent to you by the Sovereign expressing his indignation and that of the Moroccan Government and people over the new act of barbarism which Israel has once again just committed in destroying by fire the El Aksah Mosque of Jerusalem, the Holy Place which is third among the most cherished and most venerated of Islam.

I would be grateful if you would have the complete text of this cable circulated as an official document of the Security Council.

Accept, Sir, etc.

 

                                              (Signed)  Mohamed MAHJOUBI

                                                     Chargé d'Affaires a.i.

                         

*  Previously issued as document S/9404.

* * *

His Excellency U Thant

Secretary-General of the

  United Nations

New York

 

Sir,

We have learned with profound indignation of the fire in the El Aksah Mosque of Jerusalem, one of the most cherished and most venerated of the holy places of Islam.

After its occupation of Arab territories by force and aggression and its defiance of the United Nations resolutions requesting it to evacuate those territories and not to take any action in the nature of annexation or integration, Israel has committed a further act of barbarism and takes upon itself in the eyes of history and world public opinion the full responsibility for this sacrilege which every human conscience finds shocking.

The Arabs, who have defended and administered the holy places of all religions and have upheld religious freedom throughout the centures, view with anguish what has taken place at Jerusalem.

Any peaceful solution is being jeopardized by the fact that the conflict is taking on religious overtones.

In view of the gravity of the situation, we ask you to take appropriate action within the framework of the resolutions and the Charter of the United Nations.

Accept, Sir, the assurances of our highest consideration.

 

                                                          HASSAN II

                                                       King of Morocco

 

Rabat, 21 August 1969

 

* * *

CABLE DATED 21 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

OF TUNISIA ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

I have the honour to inform you that the Government and people of Tunisia were greatly disturbed at the news of the fire which has devastated the Moslem Holy Places in Jerusalem.  This heinous act, besides showing a characteristic disdain for the highest spiritual values, is liable to cause serious aggravation of the situation in the Near East and to make the search for an equitable and lasting peace in the region even more difficult.  The Tunisian Government, which considers that the Zionist State, the occupying Power, holds direct responsibility in this matter, believes that it is necessary, firstly, that the United Nations take, as a matter of urgency, appropriate conservation measures to safeguard what remains of the Moslem Holy Places in Jerusalem and to ensure their conservation and protection; secondly, that an international investigation be ordered immediately, in order to cast light on the circumstances of the crime; and, thirdly, that all necessary steps be taken to ensure the implementation of United Nations decisions relating to the Holy Places in Jerusalem.  Tunisia addresses an urgent appeal to the United Nations that a firm position be adopted without delay regarding this challenge to the whole international community, which seriously endangers world peace.

 

                                                 BOURGUIBA

                                   President of the Republic of Tunisia

* * *

LETTER DATED 25 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE CHARGE D'AFFAIRES

OF ALGERIA ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

I have the honour to transmit the following message addressed to you by Mr. Houari Boumédienne, President of the Revolutionary Council and President of the Council of Ministers of the Democratic and Popular Republic of Algeria:

 

"Sir, the unspeakable outrage perpetrated by Israel against one of  
the most venerable and ancient Holy Places of Islam is irrefutable proof  

     of the existence of a carefully prepared plan by the Zionist occupiers

     to destroy everything in Jerusalem and Palestine which is representative

     of the Arab-Islamic heritage of a people whom, having usurped their

     lands, they are endeavouring to wound in their very soul.  This latest

     aggression reveals a fanaticism reminiscent of the darkest days which

     Europe endured under the nazi occupation.  It is, moreover, a crime

     against human civilization, against every spiritual value and is a

     shameful addition to the long list of challenges by Israel to the

     international community as a whole.  The people of Palestine, the entire

     Arab nation and Moslems wherever they may be, will never forget this

     vile act.  Down through the centuries, despite all the vicissitudes of

     history, the Arab peoples have ensured the protection of the Holy Places

     and the free exercise of all religions.  Their determination to defend

     their legitimate rights, their occupied fatherland and the spiritual

     values cherished by hundreds of millions of the faithful, has been

     increased by this barbarous act.  Mindful of your assiduous defence of

     just causes and of the extent of your moral authority, we have no doubt

     that you will take all necessary steps to condemn this heinous act and

     to ensure that it is justly punished and that you will continue to work

     for the immediate implementation of the United Nations resolutions on

     Jerusalem.

Accept, Sir, etc.

 

                                          (Signed) Houari BOUMEDIENNE"

Accept, Sir, etc.

      

                                    (Signed) Hadj B. AZZOUT

                                                 Chargé d'Affaires

* * *

TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION DATED 22 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE REPRESENTATIVES

OF AFGHANISTAN, ALGERIA, GUINEA, INDONESIA, IRAN, IRAQ, JORDAN, KUWAIT,

LEBANON, LIBYA, MALAYSIA, MALI, MAURITANIA, MOROCCO, PAKISTAN, SAUDI

ARABIA, SENEGAL, SOMALIA, SOUTHERN YEMEN, SUDAN, SYRIA, TUNISIA, TURKEY,

THE UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC AND YEMEN TO THE UNITED NATIONS ADDRESSED TO

THE PRESIDENT OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL*

 

1. On behalf of our Governments, we, the undersigned, have the honour to draw the attention of the Members of the United Nations to the grave event of 21 August 1969 in Jerusalem when the El Aqsa Mosque, one of the holiest shrines in Islam, was extensively damaged by arson.  The occurence of this outrage during the time that Jerusalem is under the military occupation of Israeli authorities has filled the population of our countries with profound horror and grief.

2. Since the sacred precincts in Jerusalem proclaimed the spiritual brotherhood of man in God, any damage or desecration of the hallowed rites of one faith cannot but cause anguish to the devoted adherents of another.  Our Governments and peoples are, therefore, confident that their sorrow will be shared by all Governments and peoples who cherish the abiding values of the human spirit and hold the Holy City in the highest reverence.

3. We recall that when, soon after the beginning of Israeli occupation, a burglary was committed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the gold halo and tiara of the statue of the Virgin Mary was removed, our peoples were similarly horrified.  In that case, their sense of abhorrence was lessened only by the restoration of the sacred object, though after a public outcry and a certain lapse of time.

4. Events of this nature have had no parallel in the history of Jerusalem for centuries prior to Israeli military occupation.  Mindful of their symptomatic significance, we wish to impress upon the Security Council and the General Assembly that such events add a vast dimension of human indignation to the situation in Jerusalem and thus further aggravate the threat to peace which that situation constitutes.

5.  We therefore emphasize the urgency of suitable action by the United Nations towards

(A) An impartial investigation into the grave event of 20 August 1969;

(B) Preventing the recurrence of any act of vandalism against, or profanation of, the Holy Places in Jerusalem;

(C) Enabling the representatives of the Governments of Islamic countries to assess the damage to the holy El Aqsa Mosque and to prepare and execute plans for its repair.

6. While wishing to emphasize that such action can be taken independently of the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 252 (1968) and 267 (1969), we may recall that, by these resolutions, the Security Council has censured in the strongest terms the measures taken by Israel to change the status of the City of Jerusalem, confirmed that these measures are invalid and called upon Israel to rescind them forthwith and in future to refrain from all actions designed to alter the status of the city.  It follows that neither the Security Council nor any Member State of the United Nations, faithful to its decisions, can extend even an implicit recognition to the validity or legitimacy of Israel authority over the Holy City. No tacit consent can, therefore, be given to any measures which, in order to delude world public opinion, the Israeli authorities may announce towards an inquiry into the cause of the outbreak of fire in the holy mosque and the repair of the damage

caused.

7. We request that the text of this telegraphic communication be circulated as a document of the Security Council.

Accept, Excellency, etc.

 

                          (Signed)  The representative of Afghanistan

                                    The representative of Algeria

                                    The representative of Guinea

                                    The representative of Indonesia

                                    The representative of Iran

                                    The representative of Iraq

                                    The representative of Jordan

                                    The representative of Kuwait

                                    The representative of Lebanon

                                    The representative of Libya

                                    The representative of Malaysia

                                    The representative of Mali

                                    The representative of Mauritania

                                    The representative of Morocco

                                    The representative of Pakistan

                                    The representative of Saudi Arabia

                                    The representative of Senegal

                                    The representative of Somalia

                                    The representative of Southern Yemen

                                    The representative of Sudan

                                    The representative of Syria

                                    The representative of Tunisia

                                    The representative of Turkey

                                    The representative of the United Arab Republic

                                    The representative of Yemen

  

      

_____________

*  Previously issued as document S/9407.                                  

* * *

TELEGRAM DATED 21 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF JORDAN ADDRESSED TO THE PRESIDENT

OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND THE SECRETARY-GENERAL*

I have the honour to bring the following to your kind attention.  This morning a new Israeli grave act of lawlessness which has shaken the conscience of mankind was committed against Alaqsa Mosque, one of the holiest places of Islam.  At 7.20 fire broke out in the mosque lasting for over three hours and causing complete destruction of the southern part of the ceiling, the twelfth century pulpit and severe damage to the walls.  The Jordan Government holds the Israeli authorities responsible for this horrible crime.  The Arabs who throughout their history have protected all holy places and ensured freedom to all religions emphasize to the whole world that this irresponsible behaviour has taken place while the Holy City and all the Western Bank were under the odious Israeli military occupation.  We call upon the Security Council to take strong and effective measures against the Israeli authorities to put an end to Israeli violations and to remedy the situation.  This is more so since Israel has failed to show any regard to the United Nations resolutions on the Jerusalem question. We request that this cable be circulated as an official document of the Security Council.  Please accept, etc.

                                                    Abdul Monem Rifai

                                               Deputy Prime Minister and

                                               Minister of Foreign Affairs

 

                      

*  Previously issued as document S/9401.

* * *

CABLE DATED 26 AUGUST 1969 FROM THE RULER OF ABU DHABI

ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL

 

We beseech you to exhort the voice of the world conscience to stop the barbarous actions of the Zionists.  Last week's treacherous attack on the sacred Al Aqsa mosque will extremely provoke the religious feelings not only of Muslims but of all the faithful and is likely to escalate into a global war which will ruin all existing civilization.  We plead justice to prevail and this issue to be weighed on that ground.  It is distressing that the Zionists have undermined the various resolutions and disregarded the world forum.  The call of the United Nations is wanted now more than at any time with renewed power to fulfil its right role especially in washing out the threat of war and establishing permanent peace.  Best regards.

 

                                                      ZAID BIN SULTAN

                                                    Ruler of Abu Dhabi

 

 

* * *

CABLE DATED 22 AUGUST 1969 FRCM THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE

LEAGUE OF ARAB STATES ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF

THE UNITED NATIONS

 

Certainly you have been informed of the terrifying act of incendiarism that signifies the ugliest form of Israeli assault on the Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem and which took place after the frequent Israeli violations against this sacred shrine since the aggression of 1967.  You share no doubt with Arabs, Moslems and all freedom-loving people in the world the shock and sorrow to what has befallen the most cherished Moslem sanctities in Palestine.  This last vicious act of aggression is an overwhelming proof of the disrespect and spite with which Israeli authorities violate national and religious sanctities and of Israeli insistence to carry on the policy of defiance against Arab rights and sacred values and against world public opinion.  I call upon you to pay this grave matter what it rightly deserves of your special attention and to take all necessary measures to ensure that the world Organization assumes its full responsibility in the Middle East crisis and implements an effective policy in dealing with Israeli aggression and its reckless contempt of United Nations principles, United Nations Charter, United Nations resolutions, moral and religious values.  Respectfully yours.

 

                                                   ABDUL KHALEK HASSOUNA

                                                     Secretary-General

* * *

II.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS AND

INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING RELIGIOUS BODIES, AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS

Amman, 21 August 1969

Excellency U Thant Secretary-General

UN New York

Heads churches clergy people Jordan deeply moved terrible ugly new Israeli crime burning Al Aqsa Mosque Jerusalem protest its profanation stop We consider Zionisation of Jerusalem dechristianisation and deislamisation of the Holy City strong reason implementing Security Council resolution not to annex

 

                                             Bishop Neemeh Simaan

                                             Archbishop Diodors

                                             Archbishop Nicola Barquil

                                             Father Boutros Touma

                                             Father Shafic Farah

* * *

Damascus, 22 August 1969

His Excellency U Thant

Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

We the heads and representatives of the Christian communities in the Syrian Arab Republic strongly condemn the criminal acts committed by the Israel authorities against the Islamic and Christian Holy Places in Jerusalem and elsewhere, the most recent of which is the heinous crime against the most scared of the Islamic Holy Places, when they dared to set fire to the Al-Aksa Mosque and deliberately prevented the Arab inhabitants from extinguishing the blaze by firing on them, thus defying United Nations resolutions and the religious feelings of mankind by seeking to destroy Islamic and Christian religious relics.  We urgently call for firm intervention to put an end to these outrageous acts, in order to reconcile the world conscience and safeguard the dignity of the Holy Places.

Signed.  Theodosius the Sixth, Patriarch of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox.  Maximos the Fifth Hakym, Patriarch of Jerusalem and Alexandria for the Greek Catholics.  Agnatios Yacoub the Third, Patriarch of All the East for the Syrian Orthodox.

* * *

 

New York, 22 August 1969

 

U Thant Esqr

Secretary-General UNO through United Nations Information Service New Delhi

Indian Muslims are greatly shocked by incendiarism at Aqsa Mosque.  Impartial enquiry and future protection of the mosque and Holy Places is a UN obligation and an early vacation of Israeli aggression is the only solution to this grave situation kindly assert the authority of UN and get Jerusalem and Arab lands vacated.

 

                                               ABDULIAIS AMIR JAMAATE ISIAMI HIND

                                               DELHI INDIA

* * *

Damascus, 22 August 1969

H.E. U Thant,

Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

The Mufti General of the Syrian Arab Republic and the Moslem ecclesiastical body strongly condemn the criminal act of the Israel authorities in setting fire to the Al-Aksa Mosque, the first of the two kiblahs and the third Holy Sanctuary. They hold those authorities responsible for perpetrating this vindictive criminal act, even going so far as to prevent the Moslem Arab inhabitants of Jerusalem from extinguishing the blaze by firing on them.  They regard this act as another link in the chain of Zionist schemes to Judaize Jerusalem and the occupied regions and to erase every vestige of Arabo-Islamic culture there.  They appeal to you and to the world conscience to safeguard the Arab Islamic heritage, the Arab Holy Places, and call on you to implement United Nations resolutions to that effect.

Signed.  Sheikh Aabdul Hakym, for the Mufti General.  Sheikh Aboulyessir. Aabdyne.  Sheikh Bahjat Albitar.  Sheikh Bashyr Albany.  Sheikh Saleh Farfour. Aabdul Karym Rifaii.  Sheikh Hussain Khattab.  Sheikh Aabdul Wahab Deswazeyt. Sheikh Ahmad Safar.  Sheikh Rashyd Alkhatyb.  Sheikh Karym Rajih.

 

* * *

                                       

                                          Arlington, Virginia, 21 August 1969

Committee of Human Rights

United Nations

 

Israelis burning of Holy Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem is a new low to human rights. We ask your intervention to stop the blunder.

 

                                             International Moslem Student Assoc.

* * *

Rabat, 22 August 1969

U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations

New York

At a time when a UN Commission is investigating atrocities committed by Israel in occupied Arab territory, Israel destroys the second shrine of Islam, the Jerusalem Mosque.  We hope for intervention and the unequivocal condemnation of Israel, with a view to Israel's withdrawal from occupied Arab territory. We hope for your firm and speedy intervention to put a halt to Zionist misdeeds condemned by all Moslems and by the universal conscience.

Moroccan Association to Support the Struggle of the Palestinian People

Mohamed Tahiri, Secretary-General

 

* * *

Rabat, 22 August 1969

U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations

New York

On behalf of the Islamic Renaissance Youth Associations, I strongly protest against the criminal Zionist act of setting fire to the Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem.  We urge you to take strong action to put an end to such acts of

vandalism and pillage.  Highest consideration,

Boubker Kadiri, President of the Salé (Morocco) Association

* * *

Muzaffarabad, 23 August 1969

Secretary-General United Nations New York

Damage to Masjada Aqsa by Israelis amounts to insult of Muslims in particular and United Nations in general  Collective and effective steps demanded against Israelis.

                                             Muslims of Azad Kashmir Pakistan

 

* * *

Rockville, Md., 22 August 1969

The Secretary-General United Nations

NYK

The Muslim community in Washington DC deeply shocked at the damage done the Holy Mosque in Jerusalem.  Immediate inquiry by United Nations and appropriate action to ensure safety of Muslim people and shrines.

                                      The Islamic Society of Washington DC Husain

* * *

Ottawa, Ont., 22 August 1969

Secretary-General U Thant

United Nations New York NY

The Ottawa Muslim Association, a religious, non-political organization, is shocked at damage to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.  It requests effective UN measures to ensure safety and sanctity of Muslim religious places and institutions in Holy City.

HABIBETIYYEM Acting President

* * *

Toronto, Ont., 22 August 1969

U Thant Secretary-General United Nations

New York NY

Indignant Toronto Muslims condemn satanic attempt to burn Aqsa mosque stop UN must prevent forces of hate destroying man's heritage and civilizing institutions.

                                             Doctor Baig  President

                                             Muslim Society of Toronto

                                             Jami Mosque  6 Boustead Ave Toronto

 

* * *  

Beirut, 22 August 1969

HE Mr. Thant UN General Secretary New York

 

The great fire deliberately prearranged by Israeli authorities in Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem is a sharp evidence of their intention to obliterate the Mosque and construct a Jewish temple on its site (stop)  This premeditated aggression is a detested crime committed against a most sacred place for Muslims has shocked the feelings and bled the hearts of all Muslims (stop) Muslims view this aggression as flagrant violation of UN Charter and Security Council resolutions on the status of Jerusalem and a result of the non-implementation by the Security Council and the General Assembly of the punitive measures against Israeli authorities as well as an outcome of the political and military support provided by siding powers which encouraged Israel continue violating Arab rights freedom and shrines (stop) The World Muslim Congress warns of a universal religious war endangering world peace and calls on you to apply your jurisdiction in taking immediate deterrent measures against Zionist aggressors and ensuring their withdrawal from Jerusalem and all Arab-occupied territories.

                                                Mohammad Aminul Husseini

                                                President World Muslim Congress

* * *

Buenos Aires, 22 August 1969

U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations

New York

The resident Moslem community in the Argentine Republic strongly condemns the criminal assault on the Al-Aksa Mosque by the Israel forces of occupation and calls for urgent intervention by the United Nations to prevent a repetition of such atrocities, which are unparalleled in human history.

                                                    The Islamic Centre

* * *

Beirut, 23 August 1969

His Excellency U Thant,

Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

 

We have already had occasion to draw your attention to the fact that Israel's determination to annex Arab territory, its flouting of the rights of the Palestinian people, and its violation of United Nations resolutions, in particular those relating to measures taken to change the status of Jerusalem, destroy its historic sites and desecrate its Holy Places, constitute a challenge to the conscience of mankind and the principles of international law and a threat to world peace.  The burning of the Al-Aksa Mosque is, in the eyes of all Arabs, Christian as well as Moslem, a new stage in the conspiracy to destroy the sacred heritage of the Arabs.  On behalf of the Orthodox Church of Antioch in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the Americas, we convey to you the deep indignation and vehement condemnation aroused in our Church by this event, urgently demand the appointment of an international commission of inquiry to establish responsibilities, and urge you to take measures to restore justice and impose respect for international law.

                                          Theodosius VI,

                                          Patriarch of Antioch and All the East

* * *

Manchester, 23 August 1969

Secretary-General UNO New York

Manchester Muslims saddened by fire in Al Aqsa Mosque request action restore

Jerusalem guardianship to Muslims.

                                                Jamiatul Muslimin

 

* * *

Manchester, 23 August 1969

 

Secretary-General United Nations New York

We Muslims of Cheetham Manchester United Kingdom terribly shocked due to Israel policy to excavating surrounding and Mosque Aqsa please stop.

                                                 Mohammed Hussain

                                                 6 Esmond Road Manchester

 

* * *

Manchester, 23 August 1969

Secretary-General United Nations

New York

The Pakistan Society Manchester condemn vehemently deliberate act of atrocity by the Israelis on the El Aqsa solicit effective UN sanctions.

* * *

Freetown, 23 August 1969

 

The Secretary-General United Nations

UNations New York

 

Sierra Leone Moslems are greatly shocked by the Israeli crime of burning Al Masjid Al Aqsa They strongly condemn this barbaric action They are appealing to the United Nations to take the necessary measures for the implementation of its resolutions dealing with the future.

                                                 El Jadj Magbakamara

                                                 Secretary Jaiatuhujaj Sierraleone

* * *

Colombo, 24 August 1969

His Excellency U Thant

Secretary-General United Nations New York

 

Burning of Al Aqsa Mosque is an unpardonable assault on the spiritual domain of man (stop) We trust that immediate and effective measures will be taken to allay the fears for the safety of the values and institutions of Muslims and other religionists from unscrupulous forces and also to ensure that peoples are not pushed further towards the abyss of world chaos.

                                               Sirimavo R.D. Bandaranaike

                                               Leader of Opposition Ceylon

 

* * *

Detroit, Mich., 24 August 1969

Honorable U Thant

Secretary-General United Nations NY

In behalf of Muslims in the United States and Canada we strongly protest the destruction by fire of part of the sacred shrine of Islam, Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and deplore the attitude of the occupying forces of Israel  We call for a thorough investigation and join Muslim Governments the world over in demanding the safeguarding of Muslim and Christian Holy Places now illegally occupied by Israel.

                                            Michael Karoub  President

                                            Federation of Islamic Associations

                                            in the United States and Canada

                                            17514 Woodward Detroit Michigan

 

* * *

Philadelphia Penn., 24 August 1969

 

His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General

United Nations, New York

 

     The burning of the Muslim holy Mosque Al-Aqsa reflects without any shadow of doubt the Israelis' fascist policy against the Muslims' beliefs and their holy shrines.

     This act of abhorrence, detestation, repugnance and flippancy of the Israelis occupation to the holy City of Jerusalem can no longer be tolerated.

     Since that illegal invasion, Jerusalem, the center of worship and reverence has become a place for sin and immorality.  For the first time in 2,000 years, the Holy City has become a centre for prostitution.  Places of worship are allowed to be used for acts of indecency and profligacy by Israeli teenagers. Properties of the Islamic endowment institutions have been confiscated and thus depriving the holy places and Islamic orphanage institutions of their only source of maintenance and upkeep.  And now the burning and destruction of the second holiest place of the Muslims irrespective of the successive resolutions, the Israeli occupation authorities continue its fascist and aggressive policies and unlawful interference in the religious rights of the inhabitants of Arab Jerusalem.

The Muslim Student Association of University of Pennsylvania representing tens of thousands of Muslim young intellectuals from all over the world expresses its dissatisfaction and unrest of the continuous violations and disregard of the Israeli authorities to the laws of the international Organization and the failure of the United Nations to take effective measures and force Article 41 of Chapter 4 of the U.N. Charter on those who do not abide by the rules of the international community.

The U.N. failure to recognize the just cause of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the overlooking of the neo-Munich and the international brutality and blackmailing of the international Zionism and Israel and the submission to the intrigue and pressure of the corrupt international politics signify the unmistakable truth of the world failure to implement peace on earth.

The MSA urges the Security Council to take the necessary measures, Article 41, 42, Chapter 4 of the U.N. Charter toward implementing the various U.N. resolutions regarding the Israelis' rancor, atrocities and animosities against the peace loving people of Palestine.  We demand the return of Jerusalem to the hands of those who guarded the holy places of all faiths and respected its sanctity and spiritual tradition throughout the ages.

We will appreciate very much if the Secretariat of the U.N. circulates a copy of this cable to all members of the Security Council and to the delegations of all Muslim countries to the United Nations.

Please accept, Your Excellency, our profound respect.  Truly yours.

                                   Medhat Hassanein, Acting President MSA of U of P

* * *

Middlesbrough, 23 August 1969

Secretary-General, United Nations, New York

Muslims of Teesside, England, are deeply shocked and strongly condemn burning of Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem by the mischievous elements.  We urge you to take urgent steps to get Jerusalem back to its rightful guardians the Arabs and to take stern international action against Israel's atrocities and cruelty to fellow Muslims and our holy shrines.

Mosque Committee, Teesside 162 Grangeroad Middlesbrough

* * *

Beirut, 23 August 1969

His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

The Lebanese Association for the Promotion of Social Welfare in Palestine Refugee Camps in Lebanon wishes to inform you that it is deeply disturbed and filled with indigation and revulsion at the criminal negligence of the Zionist authorities regarding the preservation of the most sacred of the Holy Places of the Faith.  It urges the United Nations to take, finally, the necessary and essential steps to put an end to this flagrant and repeated violation of the most inalienable rights of the whole Arab nation.

The Committee

* * *

Maderdra, 25 August 1969

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

We express the indignation of the Mauritanian people at the heinous assault on the Al-Aksa Mosque.  Without any question, this act is outrageous to Moslems and Christians alike.  We deprecate the American position in the face of differences that could jeopardize world peace.

 

Bennani, Secretary-General of the Islamic League

* * *

Detroit, Mich., 24 August 1969

U Thant, Secretary-General of United Nations

Dear Mr. Secretary-General:

The Arabs were generous and capable enough to respect and to preserve the holy places in Palestine for thirteen centuries.  The Israelis were unwilling to preserve or incapable of preserving Al-Aksa Mosque for two and one half years.  They should be dislodged from the Holy City.  The American Moslems are shocked and dismayed by the destruction of the sacred Mosque.

 

Imam Mohammed Jowad Chirri, Director of Islamic

Center of Detroit, 15571 Joy Road Detroit Michigan

* * *

Old Bridge, New Jersey, 23 August 1969

U Thant

United Nations Secretary-General

The calamity of the burning of the Al-Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem is a tragedy to the 700 million Muslims in the world.  This incident can not be ignored or tolerated.  It proves that the holy places in Jerusalem are not safe from burning or destruction under the usurpers oppressive rule.

 

The Islamic Service Organization of New Jersey

* * *

Cairo, 25 August 1969

 

U Thant Secretary-General of UN New York

Our best regard in spite of all the UN resolutions concerning Palestine and in spite of the last Security Council resolution concerning Jerusalem and in spite of all morals and values that are prevailing in our society across history in spite of all this the Zionist authorities committed the atrocious crime by setting fire in Al-Aqsa Mosque which is considered one of the most important Islamic sacred places in the world Rejecting all the UN resolutions and challenging the world public opinion the Zionist authorities have insisted on committing such inhuman crime in Jerusalem Because of the Israeli continuous challenging we ask you to practice your responsibility in preventing and putting an end to these inhuman crimes There is no doubt that your understanding of the value of the human civilization in our world will give you the ability today

 

Yours faithfully General Union of Palestine Students

Palestine Workers Federation

Palestine Woman Union

Tahreer Alkahira

* * *

Singapore, 25 August 1969

 

His Excellency

The Secretary-General UNO

New York

 

Dear sir

Trusting in your excellency's capacity as a champion of world peace we the President and members of our association express our gravest concern and deepest sorrow over the intentionally preplanned action of the Israelis in burning the Al Aqsa Masjid We hope that Your Excellency will do all in your power to console the Muslims and to guarantee them that there will be no repetition of such acts in the future Thanking you in advance

 

                                    The President and members of the South Indian

                                    Jamiathul Lama Singapore

                  

* * *

Damascus, 24 August 1969

U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

Committed deliberately by the Zionists in occupied Jerusalem, the crime of the burning of Al-Aksa Mosque, one of the most venerated sanctuaries of Moslems throughout the world and the immortal historic symbol of their link with their Christian brethren, furnishes further proof of the resurgence of neo-Nazism in the Middle East, with all the atrocity and barbarism that this term implies. We therefore urge you to call a halt to this outbreak of hideous and inhuman crimes and to punish the criminals severely, in order to safeguard the Holy Places and the immortal heritage of civilization and all mankind.

 

Zuheir Midanai, President of the Damascus Bar Association

 

* * *

Philadelphia, Penn., 24 August 1969

His Excellency U Thant, Secretary-General

United Nations

 

The International Islamic Federation of Student Organizations (IFSO) representing the young generation from all over the Muslim nations send this cable to you and to the U.N. to record the last fascist Israeli aggression against Al-Aqsa Mosque, the holy shrine of the Muslim people all over the world.

 

The Israeli hatred of and aggression against the Palestinian people and Palestine is responsible for the fire which has destroyed the Muslim holy shrine.

The IFSO sends this cable to record this most terrible accident as a new evidence for the U.N. failure to meet the hope of humanity in world peace.

 

The U.N. failure to support the just cause of the Palestinian people and their rights in self-determination due to the U.N. surrender to the intrigue and pressure of corrupt international politics, is unmistakable evidence of the world failure to achieve durable world security and peace.

We would like to point out the big share of the U.N. in the horrifying neo-Munich of Israeli brutality and Zionist blackmail prevailing in the world today.

We would like to make clear that we hold high regard for you personally

and to express our hope that the organization you serve will assume

responsibility in meeting the neo-nazism of Israel.

The U.N. has to act in accordance with its Charter and realize its responsibility in honouring the right of self-determination for the Christian and Muslim Palestinians.

We urge the U.N. to enforce the resolutions it has passed to save and protect some of the world's most ancient and holy shrine in Jerusalem.  The Israeli escort of indecency in all the holy places should come to an end altogether, and Jerusalem should be turned back to the honest and trustworthy hands which had served and guarded these holy places for many centuries.

We will appreciate very much if the secretariat of the U.N. circulates a copy of this to all members of the Security Council and to the delegations of all other Members of the General Assembly.  Truly yours.

Ahmad Totonji Secretary General IFSO

* * *

Tokyo, 25 August 1969

General Secretary of the United Nations New York

All Moslems community in Japan strongly protest over the burning with damage the holiest Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and urge the responsibility of the Israelis authority for this action.

Moslem Community

* * *

Ilford, Essex, 25 August 1969

 

U Thant Secretary General UNO New York

We the Muslims of Sevenkings Ilford UK are deeply hurt at the cruel incident of burning of Masjidulaqsa.  We condemn the Jewish Government for the inhuman act.

* * *

U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

We the prelates, dignitaries and representatives of the Christian and Moslem communities, members of the Arab community of the Argentine Republic, repudiate and condemn the treacherous crime of the burning of Al-Aksa Mosque in the Israel-occupied City of Jerusalem.  We demand an international investigation under United Nations auspices for the purpose of establishing the motives underlying this monstrous crime and punishing the culprits and instigators, who are enemies of mankind and of civilization.

For the Orthodox Catholic Community

Archbishop Metropolitan

Meletios Swaity

For the Melchite Catholic Community

Exarch Nicolas Dahbar

 

For the Islamic Centre

Refahat Kahale

 

For the Melkite Catholic Governing Council

Hafez Kassabchi, President

For the Argentine Arab Federal Council

Dr. Hasan Santin, President

* * *

Damascus, 26 August 1969

 

H.E. U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations, New York

Setting a fire in the holy Aqsa Mosque is an act of disregard and violation of the sacred and holy places and strong aggression against human rights and freedom of faith.  The Lawyer Association in the Syrian Arab Republic deplores strongly this criminal act and call upon you in the name of the international conscience to take the necessary preventive measures against the Zionist aggressors and to return the City of Jerusalem and all occupied territories to its legal owners according to the United Nations Charter and the Security Council resolution.

H. Bozo

President of Lawyers Association

* * *

Santiago, Chile, 26 August 1969

U Thant, United Nations, New York

 

On behalf of the Arab Orthodox Christian Church of Chile we deplore and protest against the attack on the historic Al-Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem.  We hope that you will intercede with the United Nations with a view to restoring the mosque and that, as a tribute to history, culture and civilization, you will prevent further attacks.

                                          Bishop Athanassios

* * *

Santiago, Chile, 26 August 1969

U Thant, United Nations, New York

 

The Arab community in Chile, assembled at a mass meeting representing Christian and Moslem cultural, welfare and religious institutions, vigorously protests against Israel's premeditated burning of Al-Aksa Mosque, which constitutes an attack on culture and civilization.  We call on you to condemn this spiritual aggression which follows on repeated human and material attacks by Israel which, for twenty-one years, has arrogantly defied the resolutions of the United Nations.  We urge the United Nations to ensure that its decisions are carried out.

Chilean-Arab Co-operative Association

* * *

Caracas, 26 August 1969

U Thant, United Nations, New York

 

We protest against and categorically and roundly condemn the horrible crime committed in the Holy Land by the Zionists who have thus violated the sanctity of the Holy Places by burning Al-Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem.  We appeal to the conscience of States and the world to bring an end to the atrocities of international Zionism.

                                         Representatives of the Arab colony

                                                    of Venezuela

* * *

Cabimas, 27 August 1969

United Nations Security Council, New York

Israel's aggression in setting fire to the sacred Al-Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem endangers all religions of the world.  We strongly condemn Israel's aggression and protest to you against such abuses.  Religions, peace and the world are imperilled.

Cabimas Arab Social Centre.

* * *

Damascus, 22 August 1969

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

The new crime just committed by the Israel authorities in setting fire to Al-Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem is further proof of their contempt for international law and unmasks their evil intention to de-Arabize the Holy City and remove its temples of the Moslem faith.  We strongly protest against this barbarous crime and call upon the United Nations to intervene to end the criminal manoeuvres of the Israel authorities.

Syrian Red Crescent

* * *

Kanpur, 27 August 1969

U Thant Secretary-General UNO New York

Indian Muslims solicit your immediate necessary action against Israel for destroying sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Irfan Care Rocmi

* * *

Kumasi, 26 August 1969

 

Secretary-General, United Nations, New York

 

Ghana Muslim community abhor the teacherous burning of the sacred Mosque of Al Aqsa by Israel.

 

Secretary, Box 1409, Kumasi

* * *

Paramaribo, 27 August 1969

United Nations Organization, New York

 

The Surinam Muslim Association conveys hereby on behalf of the Muslims of Surinam, South America, their deepest resentment and protest against the atrocious and most shocking crime of setting fire to the Masjid El-Aqsa in Jerusalem which is a most severe violation of the civilized laws of mankind and the charter of of human rights endorsed  by all the nations of the world at the United Nations Organization.  Let it be remembered by all that such barbarous violation of the sanctity of one of the most sacred places of the worship of God will not be allowed to go unchallenged.

Surinam Muslim Association

 

 

 

* * *

Prague, 27 August 1969

Mr. U Thant Secretary-General United Nations New York

In name students ninety countries strongly protest Israeli burning Al Aqsa Mosque in occupied Arab Jerusalem.  Request UN strongly censure this new Israeli act aggression.

Secretariat International Union of Students

 

* * *

Madrid, 27 August 1969

 

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

The Arab students of Spain join with all mankind in condemning the Zionists' aggression against the Arab people of Palestine and their recent burning of Al-Aksa Mosque.  We request you and all justice-loving peoples to halt the aggression and uphold truth in the land of peace.

* * *

 

Belgrade, 26 August 1969

The Secretary UN New York

Jordanian students in Yugoslavia protest against terrorist actions of the nazist Israelis in Aqsa Mosque.

* * *

UN Centre New Delhi

Tellicherry, 29 August 1969

Strongly protest against the burning of Masjid Ul Aqsa pray strong action.

Secretary Town Muslim League Tellicherry

 

* * *

Lusaka, 29 August 1969

Secretary-General United Nations

Strongly protesting against the brutal action of burning our Sacred Aqsa Mosque our hearts deeply grieved please take strongest possible action.

 

Lusaka Muslim Society

* * *

Brussels, 29 August 1969

U Thant, Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

The Moslem community in Belgium, represented by the General Council of the Islamic and Cultural Centre at Brussels, of which twenty-one Moslem ambassadors are Council members, has learned with deep indignation of the criminal burning of Al-Aksa Mosque in Jerusalem, one of Islam's Holy Places respected by Christendom.  It vigorously denounced the dastardly crime just committed.  It appeals to the world's conscience and to the United Nations for peace and religious tolerance in order to guarantee that the Holy Places are protected. In view of the gravity of the situation and its  impact on world peace, the Moslem community in Belgium requests implementation of the Pakistan resolution on the Holy Places of Jerusalem and that all appropriate action should be taken by the United Nations.  I request circulation of this cable.  Accept, Sir, etc.

 

Mr. Alouini, Ambassador, Vice-President and Iman of the Islamic Centre

 

* * *

Starkville, Miss.,

                                                        27 August 1969

Secretary-General, United Nations

 

We the members of Islamic Association of Mississippi State University condemn and protest against the wanton action of Israel burning the Holy Mosque El Aqsa in Jerusalem.

Raafat Abou-Zeid

* * *

Singapore, 30 August 1969

Secretary-General United Nations Organization New York

 

Representatives of Muslim organizations of Singapore meeting 29 August unanimously resolved that this Assembly condemns Israel and deplores the burning of Masjid Alaqsa as sacrilegious and urges the immediate implementation of Security Council resolutions of 22 November 1967.

 

Singapore Muslims

 

 

* * *

Edmonton, Alta, 31 August 1969

Secretary-General United Nations Doctor U Thant

New York City NY

 

The Canadian Islamic Centre and the Muslims of our community join the millions of Muslims of the world in condemning the recent fire in the Al Aksah Mosque in Jerusalem.  We would kindly ask you and your high office to bring this sad affair to the attention of the United Nations.  The safeguard of holy shrines under Israeli occupying forces is of national and international concern to all religious groups in the world.  Your efforts to bring this to the attention of the United Nations would help ease much world tension.

The Canadian Islamic Association, Edmonton, Alberta.

 

 

* * *

Cairo, 31 August 1969

UN Commission on Human Rights

UNations New York

 

The Permanent Arab Commission on Human Rights having held an emergency meeting to discuss Israel's burning of Al Aqsa Mosque the first Kibla and the third holiest shrine for Moslems strongly denounces this criminal inhuman act and requests you to take effective and prompt action to end these uncivilized acts which run contrary to the simplest moral codes and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and violates the Geneva Conventions and threatens the cause of world peace.

Chairman Permanent Arab Commission on Human Rights.

* * *

New York, NY, 31 August 1969

U Thant, Secretary-General, United Nations

 

The Pakistan Students Association of America deplores the lack of protection by Israeli authorities and the burning of the Mosque Al Aqsa.

Ma Chaudry President PSAA

 

* * *

Paris, 30 August 1969

The Secretary-General of the United Nations, New York

 

The Moslems of Paris, assembled in the Belleville Mosque after Friday prayers, join with the other Moslems of the whole world in condemning the burning of Al-Aksa Mosque and request the United Nations to take the action necessary to stop Israel's aggression against the Holy Places and the occupation of Jerusalem.

For the Islamic Cultural Association

Gebril Kebbi and Abdel Kaden Ben Ahmed

* * *

Amman  4 September 1969

Human Rights Committee

UN New York

 

An appeal from the Executive Committee of the Arae Tourist Union

 

To millions of Moslems all over the world the Holy Aqsa Mosque is a symbol of holiness and sanctity and an intergral part of the Moslem creed for it was built on the spot where Prophet Mohammad ascended into heaven.  It is also an artistic achievement of human civilization decreed by international law to be safeguarded Israel's premeditated act of setting this holy shrine to blazes is a crime denounced and protested against in all parts of the world.  The fact that the Israeli occupying authorities hindered the process of extinguishing the fire proves beyond doubt that this act is aimed at obliterating Moslem as well as Christian sanctuaries whereto millions of hearts are directed.  Moreover, prior to that blaze the Israeli  occupying authorities had demolished and blown up several important monumental sites.  The indulgence of Israel in the policy of implementing its destructive plans in spite of the calls of warning issued by the Security Council, UNESCO and IUOTO is only a further proof that the Israeli occupying authorities pay no attention to all moral and human values.  Therefore in the name of human conscience and civilization we appeal to you to share in taking measures aimed at curbing this destruction of the Holy Places and civilization.

Abdullah Tai

President Arab Tourist Union

* * *

Marawi City, 4 September 1969

Secretary-General, United Nations, New York, USA

In public demonstration 1 September 1969 in Marawi City, Philippines with 20,000 participants following petition unanimously approved

"Ansarul Islam religious organization with 51,000 members serving cause of Islam in Philippines

"Having subscribed to Islam the religion of peace and believing in mutual respect tolerance and understanding between men of diverse faiths as requisite to lasting peace

"Being convinced Israel solely responsible for burning Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

"Now declares vehement condemnation of Israel Government for supreme act of impiety against Islam and world peace

"Hereby petitions United Nations to condemn Israel for

"1. Consistently defying United Nations resolutions on Middle East question

"2. Maintaining hostile attitude towards honourable settlement territorial disputes with Arab States

"3. Waging persecution against Palestinians

"4. Failing to establish guarantees against desecration of all religious shrines in Jerusalem

"Carried unanimously

                                         (Signed)  Ahmad Alonto, Chairman

                                                        Ansarul Islam"

 

Urge immediate action in interest of peace.

Ahmad Alonto

* * *

Bombay, 6 September 1969

Secretary-General United Nations New York

Muslims all over the world condemn in unmistakable terms desecration of Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.  Pray for your personal intervention for justice and restoration of the Al Aqsa Mosque of Jerusalem to the rightful authority for preservation of its sanctity thanks.

Members of Khoja Shia Isnaashari Jamaat Bombay India

* * *

Kisumu, 8 September 1969

 

The Secretary-General United Nations New York

 

We Muslims of Kenya meeting in Kakamega 7th September highly condemn the beastly and inhuman action of burning the Holy Mosque of Al-Aqsa We therefore strongly appeal to the United Nations to take necessary action in bringing to justice whoever participated in the destruction of the holy shrines of the Muslim world We do not want to involve ourselves in the political conflicts of the Middle East but we feel that the rights of humanity religious expression and world peace would be at stake if obnoxious actions and tendencies capable of violating these rights are neglected.

Ahmed Omar Vice-President

—-


Document symbol: S/9447
Document Type: Letter, Statement
Document Sources: Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC), Security Council
Country: Jordan
Subject: Holy places, Incidents, Jerusalem, NGOs/Civil Society
Publication Date: 12/09/1969
2019-03-11T20:39:27-04:00

Share This Page, Choose Your Platform!

Go to Top