We the undersigned are turning to you on an urgent humanitarian matter of deep concern to us and to many others.

Hizbullah forces in Lebanon are holding Elchanan Tannenbaum, a 56 year-old Israeli civilian, in captivity. Mr. Tannenbaum was taken hostage shortly after landing in Brussels on October 4th 2000. On January 5th 2003, Hizbullah leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, announced that Elchanan Tannenbaum is alive. Neither the ICRC nor any other international body has been allowed access to Mr. Tannenbaum since his abduction.

Mr. Tannenbaum is seriously ill. He suffers from several dangerous medical conditions including melanoma and severe steroid-dependent asthma. Even an ordinary upper respiratory infection is potentially life threatening unless he receives ongoing medical care and is permitted to maintain his daily regimen of medications.

As patrons of Hizbullah, your countries now bear direct legal and moral responsibility for Elchanan Tannenbaum’s well being. You must ensure that he does not become a victim of medical neglect or malpractice while in captivity. We implore you to have Mr. Tannenbaum examined by the ICRC or any other neutral medical authority that is internationally recognized.