WASHINGTON, DC -- CPT supporters began a presence in Lafayette Square across from the White House yesterday as part of a 700 hour (29 day) "Fast for Rebuilding" initiated by Christian Peace maker Teams in Hebron, West Bank. The fast, which began on March 1, is part of a concerted campaign of prayer and action in response to Israel's plan to demolish 700 Palestinian homes throughout the West Bank.

Reserve Corps member Rich Meyer (Millersburg, IN), who began a liquid only fast on March 1 along with the team in Hebron, travelled to Washington, DC to vigil daily in front of President Cl inton's home for the remainder of the fast. "Policy made in Washington has a powerful effect on Israeli actions," said Meyer noting that Israel ecieves an estimated $5 billion in aid each year from the U.S. "We want our nation to use its influence to bring a halt to these demolitions," he continued.

Equipped with an orange crate and a small pile of rubble representing the remains of what was once a roof over a Palestinian family's head, Meyer and others see this public fast as a way of moving to a "deeper level of spiritual engagement with the powers."

CPT invites supporters in congregations and meetings across North America to join the fast presence in Washington, DC for a period of time. Interested persons may contact Rich Meyer at: 12 14 Girard St. NW, Washington, DC 20009; Tel: 202-328-3429; e-mail: cptfast@aol.com.

Supporters are also encouraged to continue participating in the fast at some level in your local communities, and to step up a letter writing campaign to policy makers on behalf of the 700 Palestinian families under threat of losing their homes.

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