Vanunu Still Under Restrictions

Israeli nuclear whistleblower Mordechai Vanunu, still under severe restrictions imposed by the Israeli government after his April release from prison, continues to live at St. George's Anglican Cathedral in East Jerusalem. Among other things, the restrictions forbid him from leaving Israel.

Yoko Ono named Vanunu as a recipient, along with investigative journalist Seymour Hirsh, of the Lennon Ono Peace Award. Because he was forbidden to travel to New York to receive the award, his adoptive American parents, Nick and Mary Eoloff, attended the October 7 private dinner at the U.N. to accept it on his behalf. He celebrated his 50th birthday on October 13 with friends at St. George's, his first birthday in 18 years outside of Ashkelon Prison.

Vanunu is out of prison, but not yet free. He would like to leave Israel and begin a new life, and has applied for asylum to various countries. In violation of one of the restrictions, he also has been giving interviews to international media, refusing to allow his right of free speech to be violated.

International efforts continue for Vanunu's complete freedom, including actions at Israeli embassies. On September 30, the anniversary of his kidnapping, six supporters wearing Vanunu masks chained themselves in front of the Israeli Embassy in London. On Vanunu's birthday, Irish supporters held a protest at the Israeli Embassy in Dublin. Monthly vigils continue at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C.

For more information, including about writing letters to Israeli authorities to urge them to lift the restrictions, contact the U.S. Campaign to Free Mordechai Vanunu, PO Box 43384, Tucson, AZ 85733, (520)323-8697, freevanunu@mindspring.com www.vanunu.com

You can write to Mordechai Vanunu at the Cathedral Church of St. George, 20 Nablus Rd., P.O. Box 19018, Jerusalem 91190, Israel, or email vanunumvjc@hotmail.com

The Nuclear Resister
October 2004