As the world revs up for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a different kind of torch is being relayed around the globe. It is the Human Rights Torch Relay, a campaign to stop the despicable persecution of prisoners of conscience in China. The campaign especially focuses on the persecution of the Falun Gong, a spiritual movement tens of thousands of whose practitioners are being held in 36 slave labor camps throughout China.
The Human Rights Torch will pass, with accompanying events, through 37 countries in six continents. It arrives in Israel on February 18. To receive the torch and the mandate it represents, a mass rally will be held on the grounds of the Tel Aviv Museum at 5 PM.
The motto of the Human Rights Torch Relay [HRTR] is: "The Olympics and crimes against humanity cannot coexist in China."
UNSPEAKABLE ATROCITIES
In 2006, reports began to circulate that the Chinese authorities were harvesting organs -- hearts, lungs, livers, etc. -- from live Falun Gong prisoners and selling them on the lucrative organ transplant market. The allegation was so grotesque that many people dismissed it as an urban myth.
Organs were being taken out of the bodies of thousands of live, healthy prisoners to supply the booming Chinese organ market.
The government of Canada, however, appointed two respected attorneys, David Matas and David Kilgour, to investigate the allegations. On May 8, 2006, they submitted their report. The report confirmed the worst -- that organs were being taken out of the bodies of thousands of live, healthy prisoners of conscience to supply the booming Chinese organ market.
"The atrocity is so great that there are simply no words to express it," stated Rabbi David Druckman, Chief Rabbi of Kiryat Motzkin. "It is especially incumbent upon us as Jews to lead the campaign that expresses total disgust at this phenomenon."
Rabbi Yosef Shalom Elyashiv of Jerusalem is the world's leading halachic authority. Rabbi Elyashiv was asked by an Orthodox Israeli doctor who was hired to accompany a Jewish patient to China for an organ transplant if such transplants were permissible, given the likelihood that a human being was murdered to provide the organ. Rabbi Elyashiv ruled that it is absolutely forbidden to receive an organ transplant from such a source, even if one's own life is at stake.
Several months ago, over 220 Israeli rabbis, academics, and politicians signed a petition calling for an end to the Chinese atrocities. In a rare show of Jewish unity, the signatories included the entire Israeli spectrum from the right to the left, from religious to secular.
Between 2004 and 2007, about 20 Israelis received heart transplants in China, 10 received liver transplants, and some 200-300 received kidney transplants. In 2007 all Israeli health funds agreed to refuse funding for organ transplants in China and other ethically questionable locations. Tal Babich, an Israeli Falun Gong supporter, points out that while organs are being stolen from victims in Turkey, the Ukraine, and India, these crimes are being perpetrated by Mafia-like elements. Only in China is the government itself behind the forcible extraction of organs.
WHAT'S THE VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE?
Falun Gong began in China in 1992. Today the movement has over 70,000,000 adherents in China and many thousands abroad. Falun Gong believes in the Divine, and advocates the cultivation of three principle traits: truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance.
Borys Wrzesnewsky, a Canadian parliamentarian, observed that while the atrocities being perpetrated against the Falun Gong by the Communist government of China are horrific, they are not "shocking," in the sense of surprising. Communism is, after all, an atheistic system, doctrinally opposed to belief in God and spirituality. [Witness the genocide that the Chinese Communists committed against Tibetan Buddhists.] Moreover, he points out, Communism believes that everything can be reduced to economic factors. A human being, therefore, has a purely economic value, either as a worker or, in the case of political undesirables, as the possessor of organs worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. "Harvesting organs" from a human being in the same way that one harvests cucumbers from a field is thus perfectly consistent with Communist ideology.
The Torah introduced to the world a different value system. According to the Torah, human beings are valuable because of their spiritual essence, because they are created "in the image of God." While the ancient Greeks, the originators of the Olympic games, were practicing infanticide of babies who were undesirable because they were girls or handicapped, Jews were asserting the inviolable sanctity of human life.
Never Again
Jewish law requires us to spread the values of faith in the Creator and of maintaining the ‘image of God' throughout the world.
"We as Jews must therefore stand at the front lines of this war," asserts Rabbi David Druckman, "and employ every possible tactic in order that the world expunge atrocities such as this. Jewish law requires us to spread the values of faith in the Creator and of maintaining the ‘image of God' throughout the world. The same Torah that tells us to keep the Sabbath and to eat only kosher food also requires that we [ethically] influence all of mankind."
So what can we do? HTHR recommends three lines of action:
- Raise awareness of the atrocities being perpetrated in China. Forward this article, speak to your friends, feel outraged.
- Social action: Write letters to your local newspapers, to the Chinese Embassy, to the Olympic Committee. If you choose to attend the Olympics, wear a T-shirt condemning Chinese crimes against humanity. Attend the Human Rights Torch Relay when it comes to your area. Let China know that it will not be accepted as a respectable member of the community of nations until it releases the Falun Gong. Do something!
- Donate money to publicize the campaign.
We dare not remain silent.
(22) Rina, March 26, 2008 1:03 AM
What are we waiting for?
I don't know what the world leaders are waiting for in joining their efforts together to get the truth out. Why would the US congretional reportbe more credible than the CIPFG report? It is both political. And the US report even likely to be more political driven. Many governments seem to be afraid to ruin their ties with China for financial reasons. I have read a lot about this matter and totally am conviced that the atrocities have taken place and that it even goes far beyond our imagination.
Rina
(21) andrea, March 4, 2008 9:44 PM
I dare not speak out.
I agree that Jews should lead in the condemnation of horrendous acts against humanity.....but I also believe that we need to be certain that our facts are accurate. Can you imagine wearing anti-China t-shirts and speaking out only to find out later that the only thing our efforts accomplished is the spreading of a lie? So far in my quest for truth, most of the horrendous news against China is documented in the Epoch Times which is a a newspaper funded by CIPFG (the political arm of falun gong). Also the Canadian government did not appoint David Matas and David Kilgour to investigate. Their investigation was and independent investigation at the request and the exspense of the CIPFG. Any investigation arranged or sponsored by this organization immediatedly loses its credibility. A US congretional report has implicated the Kilgour Matas report as: "does not bring forth new or independently obtained testimony...." and "the report's key allegations appear to be inconsistent with the findings of other investigations". THe bottom line is that until I have more evidence I can't in good conscience speak out against China. However, I must admit that allegations against the Nazis were not believed initially which increased the death toll. With all my heart I don't want to turn a blind's eye....so please if anybody has any well documented evidence....let me know.....I'll dare not remain silent.
(20) Sue Boehm, March 2, 2008 4:38 PM
These are good guys?
Arent the Falun Gong the people who released poison gas in the Chinese subway several years ago and killed and injured many people?
(19) Anny Matar, February 28, 2008 5:12 AM
This incredible article takes one back to pre-historic times when man ate man, cannibalism
How loud can one shout?Who will really listen and do something about it??? Will the Olympic Games not take place there because of it!!! We live in a deaf, dumb, purely materialistic world where money, whichever way, it seems, countries earn it is acceptable, and human life and dignity has none.
SHAME to the world who allows the Olympic Games to take place there, but remember Germany 1937 !!!!! The German's might be sorry that they hadn't thought about it.
THE WORLD DOESN'T CHANGE however bitter it might sound but we, the few who do care are voices in the wilderness.
Anny Matar
Israel
(18) Annette, February 21, 2008 9:59 PM
This WAS in the news around 2005-2006
-A documentary was shown at NipU in North Bay, Ontario a few years ago on Falun Dafa, another name for the practitioners of Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance
-they have a web site
-it just doesn't make the big news in southern Ontario any more than anyhwere else; once Moshiach comes it would make front page news over and over (?) but will this happen once Moshiach comes??
until then we keep living in the roman-like arenas of the world working hard at prayer and 'growing ourselves' in Torah, and being active to right these wrongs
-I don't support the Olympics being held in China - Period!
-I avoid chinese products at all costs as much as it hurts me that I may be hurting a good person's job; but I look carefully at labels and understand there is no perfect country, but I'd rather support Canada/Israel/Peru/U.S. than most other countries' products
-"Anonymous 2/19/2008 2:23:00 PM" put it clear, simple, and truthful regarding communism and the lack of value of any human life, so beware if voting Liberal in Canada or Democrat in US - a little bit of red is still red! it's all Left!
-we have become insensitive to the atrocities around the world; as we used to turn a blind eye, now we're 'tuning out' because of the increase in horrific news and how it affects us; and how we protect ourselves is 'tuning out', sometime we call it survival, or knowing our limitations - so we can sleep at night and function in the morning.
It's heart wrenching, but we should not stand by idly while others bleed... Let's not remain silent
(17) Miriam Adahan, February 21, 2008 10:35 AM
Perhaps the message might be that we should do more to encourage organ donations after death.
(16) Benjamin, February 21, 2008 9:21 AM
I admit I don't really understand what the Olympic Games are about on a symbolic level, but I'm not so convinced, as the Human Rights Torch Relay asserts, that "The Olympics and crimes against humanity cannot coexist in China."
Later in the article Mrs. Rigler notes, "The ancient Greeks, the originators of the Olympic games, were practicing infanticide of babies who were undesirable because they were girls or handicapped." Could it be that the idea of the Olympic Games is not as noble as we're used to thinking it is, and ironically China is actually a very appropriate venue?
(15) Daniel, February 20, 2008 6:06 PM
I do condemn murder
To anonymous
I do condemn murder. What makes you believe I do not?
I did not say specifically to see the good in China. I said to see the entire picture, and some of their actions are much more complex with other parties involved. Take the Falun Gong for example. While it is clearly wrong to persecute people for their beliefs, well...I shall ask this. Is there anyone that could explain in full about the Falun Gong, what they do and believe in, any praises, criticisms, all the reasons why it exists, why people (not just the government) may not like them or possibly do?
If we were to discuss about murder, than there are many places and events we can choose where this sin occurs. In fact, we should protest every international event for that matter.
I do agree that murder as well as many other actions are clear black and white. Many of these actions that have and are being taken by people and governments all over the world.
The article is addressing the Olympics in Beijing, and the contents do resemble a lot of criticisms other news sites have been very vocal about. That part of the world is not quite exactly how the media explains or portrays it. It probably would take more than a lifetime to learn and understand it in the fullest extent.
My opinion regarding this is the most effective way of stop it, along with protesting, those injustices is either to actively participate in their lives making it clear how the creator makes of this (and there was/is a omnipotent, benevolent, omnipresent diety worshipped by the Ancient Chinese that had no image or idol) or to be a living example of how there could be no excuse to justified their actions. All within reason.
However, after looking over it again, I do believe that we should protest against those actions, making it clear it is wrong. Do so by making others aware that whether it's before, during or after the Olympic games, hurting others is wrong no matter who does it and where it happens.
(14) Sandra, February 20, 2008 2:28 PM
Thank you AISH
I can't say enough how much I appreciate AISH and it's stories, webcam of the Western Wall and more. It just really keeps us informed around the world! Thank you!
(13) Anonymous, February 19, 2008 2:23 PM
To Daniel re: I feel sorry
Daniel,
This article isn't about "China". This article is about murder.
Not everything needs to be politicized. It is perfectly OK to speak about and condemn sanctioned murder in a country, and it is incomprehensible why you would attempt to put a political spin on this and request that we also see the good in China- whoever said otherwise? Whoever said China has no redeeming qualities? What's the connection between this article and your plea to see the good? Is there no moral absolutets at all in your perspective? Cannot murder be condemned, whilst believing that a country still has other redeeming qualities? China's redeeming qualities were not what this article is about- simply not the point, and wholly unrelated.
If you cannot condemn murder, it is more than sad. It is horrifying. Yes, some "issues" ARE black and white, despite the verbiage of politicians. Thou shalt not murder. I hope most people subscribe to this.
(12) Dvirah, February 19, 2008 1:55 PM
An Echo
Remember that the Olympics were held in Germany just on the eve of the Holocost, with Hitler presiding. Despite the noble intent of the Games, they really do not and never did fulfil their original purpose. A gesture of this kind is heartening; may it not be disregarded.
(11) Daniel, February 18, 2008 10:15 PM
I feel sorry.
I feel sorry. I've been reading Aish for over 5 years and I can truly say this site, other Judaism websites as well as my Jewish friends have help me become a better person and be more aware of the great source of existence. It has lighten up my mind and made reality much more clearer.
Regarding this topic, my personal opinion is that while we need to address the responsibility each nation has in this interconnected world. I am aware that the issues are much more complex with many other political entities involved than just the PRC. I also know people that are involved with the Olympics and many average Chinese (as if there are any average human being that was created by G-d) who do their best to live their lives under any conditions.
With all that being said, and there is a lot more I want to post, I feel that this article is trying to simplfy what is truly going on in that part of the world and is reflecting this questionable China-bashing the current Western media is potraying. While it speaks of Jewish values, which is very important, I believe that if one is to speak about the issues involving China with a more clearer mindset with facts that are certain and truthful before making any judgement. Certainly there are wrongs and injustice that was and is in China, but try to see reality through for yourself and not based it upon media or word of mouth from others.
I feel uncomfortable with how Israel is often viewed by others around the world, without knowing it's history, importance and reality and based their views primarily out of word of mouth and media. I hope this does not happen to other nations, especially of those in the East. Even though the Jewish people are brightening up this world, there are few places where neighther the Bible nor Koran are a inseperatable part of their lives while their contribution to humanity was also great but appear to be distant from the Westernized and Islamic nations. (which is about 3/5 to 4/5 of the world).
Which is why I feel sorry for those who can not see the reality of other nations, including China. Please do not forget each nation has it's own unique purpose and are very valuable and precious to the Almighty as well. If one wishes to criticize others, do so with truth that is certain or experience that is real. I am aware that there is much to say and act against certain wrong actions by the Communist government, but please see things in the entire picture, as a whole and not just focus on certain viewpoints for better understanding.
I have read that G-d allows nations to survive for the sake of the righteous that live among them. There must be a reason(s) why China (which I speak not just the PRC but of the diverse Chinese people as well) has lasted so long in world history.
Do you all think that Jewish values does not exist in China? Maybe some?
If the editor and any staff wants to discuss with me about this topic, please email me. I am no expert but quite aware about the issues regarding this topic.
(10) Rachel Garber, February 18, 2008 8:37 PM
Olympics and human rights have existed in the modern era too
We only have to look to the 1934 Olympics in Germany to see that Olympics and abuse of human rights co-existed. Even more recent, the '72 Olympics when the Israeli wrestling team was massacred, and the pro-Nazi Avery Brundage (yes he was head of the American Olympic Committee in '34 and '72) chose to scare the American Jewish Olympians into not joining the boycott of the games.
(9) Ester, February 17, 2008 9:29 PM
Wait A Minute
"While the ancient Greeks, the originators of the Olympic games, were practicing infanticide of babies who were undesirable because they were girls or handicapped..."
So, "The Olympics and crimes against humanity CAN coexist in China," just as they did in Greece.
Sorry, sports are not an antidote to cruelty. "Only if there is no fear of G-d in this place, will they kill me" (Genesis 20).
(8) julia, February 17, 2008 6:40 PM
Why do we chose china over using nafta
I have studied the economics of trade and the profitability of illegal immigrant employment in the US. All of the trade agreements we made with china were simply so we could buy cheaper products. They did not in fact help our economy in any way. The long term effects of these agreements are showing up even today. Why can't we take advantage of the NAFTA protocols created around the same time that eliminate terifs with Mexico. We could have so much manufactured just as cheaply, closer to home and improve the lives of all the people who have been dreaming of escaping Mexico to America. People don't like to believe that evil exists. The most idyllic theologies, ie communism, create the opening for the most vicious and deceitful practices. I'd like to see more economic benefits for companies that manufacture in Mexico and more taxes on Chinese "goods".
(7) Anonymous, February 17, 2008 4:36 PM
there's more
Above and beyond this horrible "harvesting" is also a new sport in China whereby the zoos charge admission so that people can watch live animals being eaten by the lions. Given the fact that quite a few of my kids' toys made in China have also been recalled due to lead in the paint...I think bouycotting Chinese products on a household level until humane sanctions are put into place might be a Jewish "way to go".
(6) Char, February 17, 2008 4:29 PM
Why isn't the media telling the public about this?
Sara, thanks for bringing this atrocity to the forefront.
There is a passage in the Holy Scriptures referring to "the evil kings of the east".
We need to avoid buying their goods. Hurt them in the pocket book should get their attention.
(5) zvi tusk, February 17, 2008 1:26 PM
in america, it is different!
the UNOS system in the United States is very different. The donated organs are given with the blessing that lives may be saved and that the life of the deceased is carried on in the recipient.
I know this because I am the recipient of a cadaveric liver. All of the Mizvos and Ma'asim Tovim that I have accomplished since my rebirth are a Zchus to my donor, whomever he or she is.
The Halachic question of a Jew donating organs is dependant on the disagreement between most poskim and Rabbi Tendler. You should follow your Rabbi's HAlachic guidance. My Rabbi's said that I may not donate.
Accepting the donation in the USA is not the problem. Chinese "donated" organs, would seem to the layman to be "treif", until your doctor calls you up and tells you that we have an organ for you. If it was not arranged by the recipient, it should be "mutar" to use.
If the doctor was corrupt enough to cause another's death, how can you trust him with your life. even that is "assur". you need another doctor to be the good shaliach of Hashem.
(4) MOSHE GEWIRTZ, February 17, 2008 11:28 AM
WHAT A WORLD
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT AN ATROCITY OF THIS MAGNITUDE IS NOT COMMON KNOWLEDGE?
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOTHING?
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT TALK SHOW HOSTS RANT AND RAVE ON FAR LESS IMPORTANT TOPICS, BUT DO NOT MENTION THE HORRIFIC THINGS HAPPENING IN CHINA?
HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT CONGRESS HAS SO MUCH TIME TO INVESTIGATE STEROID USE BY ATHLETES, BUT WILL NOT CASTIGATE CHINA FOR ITS BARBARIC ACTS?
IT'S A BIG BAD WORLD OUT THERE. IF WE STAND BY AND DO NOTHING, THE EVIL COULD, CHAS VESHALOM, REACH US TOO!
I QUESS NOTHING CHANGES. ALMOST THE ENTIRE WORLD REMAINED SILENT DURING THE HOLOCOUST.
(3) Anonymous, February 17, 2008 10:38 AM
China's barbaric behaviour towards humanity and nature should be exposed to the world.
China is also responsible foe unspeakable and hideous acts of cruelty against animals in it's zoos, especially in Bei Jing.
China's barbaric behaviour towards humanity and nature should be exposed to the world.
(2) mid, February 17, 2008 9:55 AM
I AM outraged!
I am ashamed that this is not being promoted by our media in the States...I will do all I can to bring this to their attention, so that it becomes and issue!! No one should even consider living at the expense of another human being, whose basic rights have been taken away. China grows strong because of our greed and lust. And all of us are to blame!
(1) GB, February 17, 2008 5:33 AM
taking action
While the above-mentioned measures are admirable to increase peoples' awareness of the atrocities committed by the Chinese, is Israel boycotting the Olympics? Are any of the 36 additional nations through which the Human Rights Torch will pass boycotting the Olympics? Do we buy products made in China, or own manufacturing plants and factories there? The Chinese government is investing millions in their country in preparation for the Olympics, partly for economic gain and partly as a mechanism for propaganda. Since with "Communism, everything can be reduced to economic factors," countries' boycott of the Olympic Games would perhaps be the most effective demonstration of our moral revulsion of Chinese actions against human rights.