Update
(revised on March 19, 2006)
The Outcome of the Trial
On Friday, July 1, 2005, a
sentencing hearing for three members of The Restored Israel of YAHWEH was
continued from June 17, 2005, in federal court in Camden, NJ. On June 17
it had been suggested by the presiding judge that perhaps a fine could be levied
as an alternative to paying the federal income tax. This fine would go
directly to a Crimes Victims Assistance program whereas federal income tax is
clearly a war tax. The members of The Restored Israel of YAHWEH were
jubilant over this suggestion as this solution was sought for many years by our
founder and spiritual advisor Jeremiah (Leo J. Volpe) and we have long suffered
for our stand, not being able to pay Social Security taxes without paying war
tax. However, when this suggestion was placed on the table of the
government, the response was that this could be done, but we seek punishment
instead. In the end Mr. Simandle sentenced the defendants to prison terms
ranging from six to twenty-seven months and fines ranging from $5,000.00 to
$50,000.00. Inge Donato was sentenced to six months in prison and began
serving her sentence on August 8, 2005 at the Federal Detention Center in
Philadelphia, PA. Inge served her sentence and was released on February 6,
2006. Kevin McKee was sentenced to 24 months in prison and began serving
his sentence on February 13, 2006, at the prison camp in Minersville, PA.
Letters of support can be sent to: Kevin McKee #40886-050, FCI Schuylkill
Satellite Camp, PO Box 670, Minersville, PA 17954. Joseph Donato was sentenced
to 27 months in prison. He began serving his sentence on February 21,
2006, at the prison camp in Fairton, NJ. Letters of support can be sent to
Joe at: Joseph Donato #40884-050, FCI Fairton Satellite Camp, PO Box 420,
Fairton, NJ 08320.
Our purpose as a religious society has always been to
live and work for a kingdom on earth. We were blessed with the privilege
of knowing Jeremiah. He left us with a knowledge to carry on with the hope
of seeing YAHWEH'S words fulfilled wherein a kingdom of peace, love and true
justice will prevail throughout the entire earth. The tax issue we have
been involved with has been a trial in more than one way, yet we are reminded of
the scripture in Matthew 10:28: "And fear not them which kill the
body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able
to destroy both soul and body in hell."
All of us would like to thank all those who expressed
loving support, whether through prayers, kind words, or letters. Thank you
for being there. Dealing with the press has been a challenge, to say the
least. The last few articles printed showed us some decency--which we are
grateful for. In particular, Martin Kelley of Nonviolence.org, wrote a thorough
and insightful article on this issue.
As for the courts, they are working for the government,
following the laws of the land, and, as we have heard in the past,
"they are just doing their jobs."
Now we go on, working out our own salvation in
continued obedience to the Almighty GOD YAHWEH, loving our neighbors and being
grateful for having the hope of the future.