peaceinthebag

On my mind...

2012-01-06T14:48:00.000-08:00

What's on my mind? On my mind is the Norwegian girl, who came to Dheishe the other day, explaining that in Norway people don't consider the residents of Palestinian refugee camps to be refugees - among other reasons because they CAN leave the camps (!) and travel around the West Bank freely (literal comment: that's great!). Ah and there is no need to continue living in the camps, people can just move outside the camp and live anywhere in the West Bank - they should accept the past as past and continue to live their life. I had a feeling she was disappointed cause she was expecting starving childen behind barbed wire in a slum like setting. Since that wasn't the case, she was bewildered, why the native don't resign to their fate - surely Palestianians are a more domesticized breed then Norwegians and don't really need freedom of speach, travel, full citizenship and all other luxurious nonsense...Also now that they are socialized under occupation and conditioned to expect the IOF and checkpoints/ and or settlements and price tagging settlers at every school corner, surely they wouldn't be able to cope with more space to move. Those indigenous people most certainly are different from the Norwegian Wiking kind - those probably would have remembered the good old days rather quickly and plundered and burned the encampments of the invadors within a few weeks...skol!
So, dear ignorant world, please do call me emotional and biased, because I am. I impertinently and inveterately believe in the UNIVERSAL nature of human rights. Especially when I remember how we ranted about the GDR not granting their citizens the right to travel anywhere they chose, when they shot people at the borders, when they didn't have free elections, when they were not like us...now, while Israel is denying the Palestinian citizens the right to get rid of the occupation and the PA, when the IOF is shooting people in civil demonstrations, when soldiers became a natural part of children's way to school, when Palestinians have no right whatsoever to defend their homes, their people, their land...now, we sit and watch and justify that these wild beasts are so unpredictable, the simply do not leave the world a choice but to imprison them...unlike in the GDR, where the government was installed by some evil, evil force called UDSSR and where the citizens needed to be freed and socialized in "the right way", the Palestinians are in this position because they do not deserve better. After all, we give them food and water and if they are very very nice, sometimes even some medical treatment in Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem - unless they are so stupid to die before or can't afford body guards...And really, even that is not so bad as a dead Palestinian is a free Palestinian and the best is: even if he/she isn't, they can't tell anyone...

Addameer on prisoners' movement and hungerstrike

2011-10-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

03.11.2011

Public announcement by Addameer

For joining in the hunger strike, which is approaching the 7th day:

Punishment, isolation, interdiction of advocats’

The movement of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails has started a hunger strike 6 days ago, after the Israeli prison administration had decreased the free space of prisoners significantly. The measures were taken as part of a discriminating media campaign launched by the Israeli government, misleading public international opinion. This campaign was the introduction to a process of vengeful punishments towards the Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails in order to deprive them of their most basic rights.

The president of the occupying government was quoted on June 23rd 2011 saying, that „ the times of privilege for the terrorists in prison are over“. Addameer notes that since then the Israeli prisons administration implemented a series of actions which turned the situation in the prisons upside down. Examples for these actions are: the prevention of education, the prohibition to bring books and clothes into the prison, increasing isolation treatment of prisoners, introducing monetary penalties of rather large amounts, giving the impression of a revenge treatment, constraining prisoners during lawyer consultation, decreasing the amount of vegetables in prisoners nutrition from 3,5 kg to 1,7kg, preventing visits among inmates of cells and sections in the prison in addition to the continuous isolation treatment 20 prisoners are currently suffering from and preventing a few prisoners from receiving family visits. Among these prisoners is Ahmed Sa’adat, the general secretary of the PFLP and the leaders of Hamas, Ibrahim Hamed, Abbas Assayed, Mahmud Issa, Abdullah Barghouti. At the same time, 2000 Palestinian prisoners have been deprived from their right to family visits and phone calls continuously for the last five years. 700 among these prisoners are from the Gaza strip. Since last June attacks on prisoners by special forces („Nachschon“ and „Drur“) in cells and sections have been witnessed, something which was unknown before. The attacks happened in the late evening hours. During the attacks these special forces used extreme violence against the prisoners, resulting in severe physical injuries. In addition, the prisons administration decreased the duration of family visits from the usual 45mins biweekly to 30 mins once a month. These are the reasons, which lead to the hunger strike, launched by the prisoners’ movement on the 27th of October. This is the last resource to enforce the rights of male and female prisoners, which had been achieved due to great sacrifices in the past.

In the beginning, the PFLP prisoners announced the start of the open hunger strike, carrying the demands of the prisoners’ movement on their shoulders. In an agreement of all political parties, it has been decided that the remaining parties will join in the hungerstrike on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. In case demands would not be met, all political parties intented to participate in the hunger strike indefinitely. This became necessary in the following days. The leaders of the prisoners’ movement increased the measures taken in the hunger strike step by step, excluding sick prisoners in oder to provide them with adequate nutrition and medication.

The Israeli prisons administration responded by isolating dozens of prisoners, including for female prisoners in isolation treatment. At times the prisoners were isolated in tiny cells and photographed with plates of food in front of them. It so happened to inmate Ahmad Abu Al Saud in Rimon prison. The prisoners’ administration also prevented lawyers to visit the inmates on strike. This morning, the Nafha prison administration prevented Addameers lawyer to consult with their clients Ahmad Sa’adat and Jamal Abu Alhyjaa, even though permission was granted the previous day.

Parallely the administration continued the transfer of prisoners in between prisons in order to increase pressure and deconstruct organisational structures of the strike.

Addameer considers the prisoners’ movement demands to be legitimate. Since the beginning of July 2011, legal and human rights associations as well as the Ministry for Prisoners has been trying to raise attention to the aggravation of the situation inside Israeli jails, which occurred due to the oppressive measures implemented upon Palestinian prisoners by the Israeli prison administrations.

Addammeer believes that the protection of prisoners and the success of the prisoners movement campaigns demands and deserves joint efforts of all legal, political and human rights organisations to force the occupying government into treating the inmates according to international law, especially focussing on the 3rd and 4th paragraphs of the Geneva conventions.

In conclusion, Addameer demands:

- To acknowledge the necessity of acceleration and construction of a unified, clear Palestinian strategy, including the mobilisation of a Palestinian popular movement in order to support the prisoners’ demands and freedom through participation in the activities which have been put in place by the popular national associations.

- The international organisations working in the occupied Palestinian territories are asked to attend to their legal responsibilities towards the prisoners’ rights.

- The International Red Cross should break the silence and expose the Israeli excesses in violating the rights of Palestinian prisoners and demand Israeli authorities to respect the ICRC instead of subjecting the organisation to oppressive measures

- The Palestinian national movement should move the prisoners’ rights, freedom and the current hunger strike to the top of the priority list.

- The prisoners’ movement to hold on to their demands and stay unified

Addameer Berichterstattung zum aktuellen Hungerstreik

2011-10-06T12:04:00.001-07:00

The Adameer prisonner’s support and human right association is following the prisoners prostets and the steps taken in the ongoing hunger strike.

A group of prisoners has been transferred by the prison administration, which also prevented them from consulting their lawyers

5th October 2011

An Addameer lawyer who was able to visit Askalan prison yesterday, reported that the prison administration prevented him from meeting the prisoners A'ahed Abu Gholme and Hasan Abu Salama on the excuse that both of them are participating in the hunger strike and are therefore forbidden to have visitors. However, he was allowed to visit Nasser al Naji who mentioned that the prison guards attacked section 5 as well as cells 21 and 22 in Askalan prison the previous day, resulting in a confrontation with the prisoners.

The prisoners state adamently that rubber bullets had been fired at them by the guards. In addition, prisoners have been injured by gas used on them by the prison guards during the attack. The prisoner Nasser added that the prison guards attacked and beat the prisoner Mansour, who is also participating in the strike.

A source in the prison reported that a group of PFLP prisoners who are under hunger strike were moved from al Anqab prison to Oaly Qidal prison. Namely mentioned were the prisoners Thaer Waleed, Anas al_Shantee, Mahmoud Zahran, Nimer Jaber, Abdul Naser Quzmar and Shadi Jarrar.

In Rimon prison a relative of the prisoner Assan Fataftar was prevented from visiting due to his participation in the hunger strike. In Jelbour prison the prisoner Mourless Boourjhel had been given notice that he will be moved from this prison.

The rest of the prisoners in Section 2 and 4 of Jerusalem prison and other Arab Israeli prisoners will join the open hunger strike as well.

GERMAN

Die Addameer Vereinigung für Menschenrechte und Interessen von Gefangenen verfolgt die Proteste und die Entwicklung des andauernden Hungerstreiks.

Eine Gruppe von Gefangenen wurde von der Gefängnisverwaltung verlegt und an der Wahrnehmung von Anwaltsbesuchen gehindert.

5. Oktober 2011-10-06

Ein Anwalt der Vereinigung Addameer, dem es am gestrigen Tag gelang, das Gefängnis von Askalon zu besuchen, berichtete dass die Gefängnisverwaltung ihn daran hinderte die Gefangenen A’ahed Abu Gholme und Hasan Abu Salama zu besuchen. Als Begründung wurde deren Beteiligung am Hungerstreik der Gefangenen genannt. Er war jedoch in der Lage, den Gefangenen Nasser al Naji zu besuchen, der in über einen gewaltsamen Angriff der Gefängniswärter auf sie Sektion 5, sowie die Zellen 21 und 22 im Gefängnis von Askalan informierte. Das Resultat des Angriffs war eine offene Konfrontation mit den Gefangenen.

Die Gefangenen berichten überzeugend vom Gebrauch von Hartgummigeschossen, die von Gefängnispersonal auf Gefangene abgefeuert wurden. Zusätzlich wurden einige Gefangene durch den Einsatz von bisher unbekanntem Gas durch die Wärter verletzt. Der Gefangene Nasser fügte hinzu, dass der Gefangene Mansour, der ebenfalls am Streik teilnimmt, von Gefängnispersonal angegriffen und geschlagen wurde.

Eine Quelle im selben Gefängnis informierte Addameer dass eine Gruppe von Gefangenen, die der Partei PFLP angehört von Al Anqab in das Gefängnis in Oaly Qidal verlegt wurde. Namentlich genannt wurden die Gefangenen Thaer Waleed, Anas al_Shantee, Mahmoud Zahran, Nimer Jaber, Abdul Naser Quzmar und Shadi Jarrar.

Im Gefängnis von Rimon wurde ein Verwandter am Besuch des Gefangenen Assan Fataftar gehindert aufgrund dessen Teilnahme am Hungerstreik.

Im Gefängnis von Jelfour wurde der Gefangene Mourless Boourjehk von seiner bevorstehenden Verlegung informiert.

Die verbleibenden Gefangenen der Sektionen 2 und 4 im Gefängnis von Jerusalem kündigten ihre Teilnahme am Hungerstreik an, ebenso wie andere arabisch – israelische Inhaftierte.

Addameer reports on ongoing hunger strike of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons

2011-10-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

September 29th, 2011

ADDAMEER Prisoners` Support and Human Rights Association

The association follows the protest of prisoners und the new gradual developments of the hunger strike. The punishment which has been imposed on the prisoners in hunger strike

The association reports it’s inside knowledge on the new requests and the hunger strike with the prisoners have implemented in Israeli prisons in order to achieve their goals.

The prison of Ishel, has in response and in attempting to repress the mouvement, transferred the prisoner Ahmad Abu Assououd Anani to isolation treatment in Rimoun prison. The administration also applied the following measures of punishment to the prisoners of Ishel as a result of the ongoing hunger strike:

- prohibition of buying goods in the cafeteria

- shortening of daily walks in the prison yard

- prevention of family visits: for each day of participation in the hunger strike, family visits will be postponed for another month

- in addition, monetary penalties have been imposed of the prisoners participating in the strike

In Nafha prison, the entire prisoners community has announced to join in the strike, as well as 10 prisoners from various prisions, who are members of the Jihad Islamic Movement.

The leader of the Fatah members in prison, Nasser Owaiz, also joined the movement.

The staff of Addameer also knew that on September 30th another step in the hungerstrike will be reached. Prisoners will start refusing to comply with the daily routing of being counted in the morning as well as reject to wear the prisoners’ uniform.

The prisoners report that the prison administration searched all cells of the strikers and removed all electric devices. In addition the guards seperated the prisoners on strike and placed them in separate cells.

So much for the economical effects of the occupation...

2011-09-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

Study: Occupation costs Palestinian economy $7 billion

Run4Silwan 19th of September 2011

2011-09-29T02:53:00.000-07:00

On Monday, September 19, a run took place from Al-Quds University in Abu-Dis, through the Zeitoun checkpoint, and finished in Wadi Hilweh in Silwan.

The run was promoting:
- peace
- awareness raising to the situation in Palestine
- protest against the violation of children’s rights in Silwan
- denounce the wall that separates people (and runners)
- sports and fitness

Starting the run along the wall
in Abu Dis,

the wall
seemed to be endless.
However, spirits remained unbroken
and in between all the grey,
ever so charming spectators crossed the way.
At Zeitun Checkpoint,
the kids from Silwan joined the runners, proudly carrying flags of Silwan,
where they were celebrated when returning home.

The temporary joy of these kids was definitely worth it. All the more we are saddened that the continuous efforts to increase the quality of life for the children are Silwan is brutally destroyed by the daily arrests of children by the IDF in East Jerusalem.

http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=423660

Avaaz explains the Situation in 3D

2011-09-28T23:39:00.000-07:00

Middle East peace -- the real story

Don't agree totally with the addiction to the two state solution and Obama, but it's a brilliant peace of work.

Uri Avnery September 24, 2011

2011-09-28T23:23:00.001-07:00

Uri Avnery
September 24, 2011

Abu Mazen’s Gamble

A WONDERFUL SPEECH. A beautiful speech.

The language expressive and elegant. The arguments clear and convincing. The delivery flawless.

A work of art. The art of hypocrisy. Almost every statement in the passage concerning the Israeli-Palestinian issue was a lie. A blatant lie: the speaker knew it was a lie, and so did the audience.

It was Obama at his best, Obama at his worst.

Being a moral person, he must have felt the urge to vomit. Being a pragmatic person, he knew that he had to do it, if he wanted to be re-elected.

In essence, he sold the fundamental national interests of the United States of America for the chance of a second term.

Not very nice, but that’s politics, OK?

IT MAY be superfluous – almost insulting to the reader – to point out the mendacious details of this rhetorical edifice.

Obama treated the two sides as if they were equal in strength – Israelis and Palestinians, Palestinians and Israelis.

But of the two, it is the Israelis - only they – who suffer and have suffered. Persecution. Exile. Holocaust. An Israeli child threatened by rockets. Surrounded by the hatred of Arab children. So sad.

No Occupation. No settlements. No June 1967 borders. No Naqba. No Palestinian children killed or frightened. It’s the straight right-wing Israeli propaganda line, pure and simple – the terminology, the historical narrative, the argumentation. The music.

The Palestinians, of course, should have a state of their own. Sure, sure. But they must not be pushy. They must not embarrass the US. They must not come to the UN. They must sit with the Israelis, like reasonable people, and work it out with them. The reasonable sheep must sit down with the reasonable wolf and decide what to have for dinner. Foreigners should not interfere.

Obama gave full service. A lady who provides this kind of service generally gets paid in advance. Obama got paid immediately afterwards, within the hour. Netanyahu sat down with him in front of the cameras and gave him enough quotable professions of love and gratitude to last for several election campaigns.

THE TRAGIC hero of this affair is Mahmoud Abbas. A tragic hero, but a hero nonetheless.

Many people may be surprised by this sudden emergence of Abbas as a daring player for high stakes, ready to confront the mighty US.

If Ariel Sharon were to wake up for a moment from his years-long coma, he would faint with amazement. It was he who called Mahmoud Abbas “a plucked chicken”.

Yet for the last few days, Abbas was the center of global attention. World leaders conferred about how to handle him, senior diplomats were eager to convince him of this or that course of action, commentators were guessing what he would do next. His speech before the UN General Assembly was treated as an event of consequence.

Not bad for a chicken, even for one with a full set of feathers.

His emergence as a leader on the world stage is somewhat reminiscent of Anwar Sadat.

When Gamal Abd-al-Nasser unexpectedly died at the age of 52 in 1970 and his official deputy, Sadat, assumed his mantle, all political experts shrugged.

Sadat? Who the hell is that? He was considered a nonentity, an eternal No. 2, one of the least important members of the group of “free officers” that was ruling Egypt.

In Egypt, a land of jokes and jokers, witticisms about him abounded. One concerned the prominent brown mark on his forehead. The official version was that it was the result of much praying, hitting the ground with his forehead. But the real reason, it was told, was that at meetings, after everyone else had spoken, Sadat would get up and try to say something. Nasser would good-naturedly put his finger to his forehead, push him gently down and say: “Sit, Anwar!”

To the utter amazement of the experts – and especially the Israeli ones – this “nonentity” took a huge gamble by starting the 1973 October War, and proceeded to do something unprecedented in history: going to the capital of an enemy country still officially in a state of war and making peace.

Abbas’ status under Yasser Arafat was not unlike Sadat’s under Nasser. However, Arafat never appointed a deputy. Abbas was one of a group of four or five likely successors. The heir would surely have been Abu Jihad, had he not been killed by Israeli commandoes in front of his wife and children. Another likely candidate, Abu Iyad, was killed by Palestinian terrorists. Abu Mazen (Abbas) was in a way the choice by default.

Such politicians, emerging suddenly from under the shadow of a great leader, generally fall into one of two categories: the eternal frustrated No. 2 or the surprising new leader.

The Bible gives us examples of both kinds. The first was Rehoboam, the son and heir of the great King Solomon, who told his people: “my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions”. The other kind was represented by Joshua, the heir of Moses. He was no second Moses, but according to the story a great conqueror in his own right.

Modern history tells the sad story of Anthony Eden, the long-suffering No. 2 of Winston Churchill, who commanded little respect. (Mussolini called him, after their first meeting, “a well-tailored idiot.”). Upon assuming power, he tried desperately to equal Churchill and soon embroiled Britain in the 1956 Suez disaster. To the second category belonged Harry Truman, the nobody who succeeded the great Franklin Delano Roosevelt and surprised everybody as a resolute leader.

Abbas looked like belonging to the first kind. Now, suddenly, he is revealed as belonging to the second. The world is treating him with newfound respect. Nearing the end of his career, he made the big gamble.

BUT WAS it wise? Courageous, yes. Daring, yes. But wise?

My answer is: Yes, it was.

Abbas has placed the quest for Palestinian freedom squarely on the international table. For more than a week, Palestine has been the center of international attention. Scores of international statesmen and -women, including the leader of the world’s only superpower, have been busy with Palestine.

For a national movement, that is of the utmost importance. Cynics may ask: “So what did they gain from it?” But cynics are fools. A liberation movement gains from the very fact that the world pays attention, that the media grapple with the problem, that people of conscience all over the world are aroused. It strengthens morale at home and brings the struggle a step nearer its goal.

Oppression shuns the limelight. Occupation, settlements, ethnic cleansing thrive in the shadows. It is the oppressed who need the light of day. Abbas’ move provided it, at least for the time being.

BARACK OBAMA’s miserable performance was a nail in the coffin of America’s status as a superpower. In a way, it was a crime against the United States.

The Arab Spring may have been a last chance for the US to recover its standing in the Middle East. After some hesitation, Obama realized that. He called on Mubarak to go, helped the Libyans against their tyrant, made some noises about Bashar al-Assad. He knows that he has to regain the respect of the Arab masses if he wants to recover some stature in the region, and by extension throughout the world.

Now he has blown it, perhaps forever. No self-respecting Arab will forgive him for plunging his knife into the back of the helpless Palestinians. All the credit the US has tried to gain in the last months in the Arab and the wider Muslim world has been blown away with one puff.

All for reelection.

IT WAS also a crime against Israel.

Israel needs peace. Israel needs to live side by side with the Palestinian people, within the Arab world. Israel cannot rely forever on the unconditional support of the declining United States.

Obama knows this full well. He knows what is good for Israel, even if Netanyahu doesn’t. Yet he has handed the keys of the car to the drunken driver.

The State of Palestine will come into being. This week it was already clear that this is unavoidable. Obama will be forgotten, as will Netanyahu, Lieberman and the whole bunch.

Mahmoud Abbas – Abu Mazen, as the Palestinians call him – will be remembered. The “plucked chicken” is soaring into the sky.

Arafat Sqare in Ramallah, 23rd September 2011

2011-09-25T00:50:00.000-07:00

UN-Day in Palestine!

Abbas & Erdogan break Taboos

2011-09-24T23:29:00.000-07:00

Netanyahu speech / PM slams Gaza probe, challenges UN to confront Iran

Premier praises those who walked out on Iranian president's speech on Wednesday.

Erdogan: Israel cannot be trusted

In interview with CNN Turkish PM continues with belligerent rhetoric towards Israel, questions the number of Israeli fatalities from Palestinian terror groups' rocket fire 'compared to thousands of dead Palestinians'

The Independent 22.10.2011

2011-09-21T22:31:00.000-07:00

Robert Fisk: Dreams of a helpful America keep Palestinians hoping

With two days to go before the UN statehood vote, some are celebrating already. Our writer reports from Ramallah

A Saturday afternoon in the Souk of H2

2011-09-21T04:47:00.000-07:00

Independent 16th September 2011

2011-09-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

Military whistleblower tells of 'indiscriminate' Israeli attacks

Troops fired tear gas during a curfew in a West Bank village to stop peaceful demonstrations

By Donald Macintyre

MAAN today

2011-09-18T02:47:00.000-07:00

Report: Settlers plan march to Palestinian towns

New York Times today

2011-09-17T02:50:00.000-07:00

Palestinians Set Bid for U.N. Seat, Clashing With U.S.

Ilan Pappe in the Electronic Intifada 12.09.2011

2011-09-12T23:25:00.000-07:00

At the UN, the funeral of the two-state solution

Maan 10.09.2011

2011-09-10T03:47:00.000-07:00

Israeli envoy leaves after Cairo embassy attack

ReliefWeb Updates on occupied Palestinian territory / 08 Sep 2011

2011-09-08T07:14:00.001-07:00

Ongoing bombing kills children in Gaza and threatens hospital

Source: AngliCORD

by Jane Still Innocent people, including children, are once again among those who have been killed during ongoing air strikes against Gaza by Israel. At least two children are amongst an estimated nineteen people killed when Israel retaliated against unidentified rocket attacks over the last month. Scores more people were injured. Ms Samira Farah, assistant to the Director of Gaza’s Al Ahli Hospital, said that while they had only treated a few casualties so far, the hospital would struggle to cope with an extended emergency. Staff were working around the clock, she said. ... Read more

Weekly Report On Israeli Human Rights Violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (25 Aug. – 07 Sep. 2011)

Source: Palestinian Centre for Human Rights

Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) Continue Systematic Attacks against Palestinian Civilians and Property in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) 5 Palestinians were killed by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. Two of the victims are civilians. Bodies of 3 workers who were missing in a tunnel in the southern Gaza Strip that had been bombarded by Israeli warplanes were found. A Palestinian child died of a previous wound in the Gaza Strip. ... Read more

Settlers building twice rate of Israel: NGO

Source: Agence France-Presse

JERUSALEM — Settlers are building homes in the West Bank at almost twice the pace that they are being constructed inside Israel, anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now said on Wednesday. The group said analysis of aerial photographs and field visits to settlements in the West Bank showed a vast disparity between construction inside Israel and in the settlements since the end of a freeze on building there. ... Read more

Cremisan

2011-09-08T00:41:00.000-07:00

“We want bridges, not walls!”

Maan 07/09/2011 08:02

2011-09-06T22:37:00.000-07:00

Leaked cable suggests PA hid torture death

Palestine has not perished - yet...

2011-08-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

AVAAZ Campaign - WATCH MOVIE AND SIGN!!!!

2011-08-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

Recognize Palestine -- New Path to Peace

Hebron - how to get there and away

2011-08-21T01:45:00.000-07:00

To get to Hebron, you take Road 60, characterized by it's famous landmarks...
...the "Reihenhaus Settlements"
on the left,

the "Toadstool Settlements" to the right.
Additional reassurance that you are not only on the right way but getting closer is the tourist police on the way, welcoming visitors and
waving them off after making sure
people feel
safeguarded
and addressed by the correct name.
The farewell committee is approachable for directions to your next destination
and will take the lead in case you feel more secure following...

Flying checkpoints erected in West Bank

Revelling Ramadan

2011-08-21T01:32:00.000-07:00

The way to the souq shortly before Iftar is quite a challenge - the Darwinist approach prevails - first come first serve:-) What if nobody was there, first?
I have never seen the souq this busy...
or festive...
or happy.
We get a glimpse of how vibrant souq life can be...
how peaceful
and romantic :-)

Maan today

2011-08-21T00:31:00.000-07:00

Israeli forces detain 50 Palestinians in Hebron raid

Maan today

2011-08-17T12:22:00.000-07:00

Lebanon upgrades Palestinian delegation to embassy

Published today (updated) 17/08/2011 20:45

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati (R) shaking hands with Palestinian
leader Mahmoud Abbas. [AFP/DALATI AND NOHRA]

BEIRUT (AFP) -- Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas hoisted the flag of "the state of Palestine" in Beirut on Wednesday as he inaugurated the Palestinian embassy in Beirut.

Maan 14.08.2011

2011-08-14T12:42:00.001-07:00

Israeli police arrest 3 Palestinian children in Silwan

Documentary

2011-08-13T14:36:00.000-07:00

The Law in these parts

A film by Ra'anan Alexandrowicz

NY Times 27/07/2011

2011-08-05T13:47:00.000-07:00

Where Politics Are Complex, Simple Joys at the Beach

Agence France-Presse

2011-08-03T08:13:00.000-07:00

Israel court orders West Bank outpost demolished

Maan (updated) 02/08/2011

2011-08-03T01:54:00.000-07:00

UNRWA: Clear link between settlements and demolitions

Alertnet August 1st, 2011

2011-08-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

Israeli troops kill two Palestinians in West Bank

FAZ 28. Juli 2011

2011-07-31T00:52:00.000-07:00

Ein Staat für die Palästinenser

Entlastung für Israel

Fridays in the West Bank

2011-07-25T07:52:00.000-07:00

IDF reaction to a handful of non-violent protesters...

EAPPI 21.7.11

2011-07-21T09:59:00.000-07:00

Army arrests 14 year old, beats man with downs syndrome

Breaking the Silence

2011-07-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Breaking the Silence July Update

Agence France - Presse /relief web 10.7.2011

2011-07-11T06:13:00.000-07:00

Quartet must take 'decisive action': Palestinians

—

Agence France-Presse

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territories — The Middle East peacemaking Quartet, which meets on Monday in Washington, must take "decisive action" to restart peace talks, a senior Palestinian official said.

In a statement issued ahead of the meeting of representatives from the United States, United Nations, European Union and Russia, Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi urged the Quartet to "undertake its responsibilities seriously."

The group is expected to discuss ways to restart stalled peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, in a bid to head off Palestinian attempts to seek membership at the United Nations in September.

The Palestinians have said they will not be deterred from seeking UN membership, but that they remain open to new talks if they are based on clear guidelines and Israel stops Jewish settlement construction during negotiations.

"It is clear that if there is to be any genuine political momentum and progress, then the Quartet has to undertake its responsibilities seriously," said Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

She called on the group to commit to clear guidelines and a timeframe for any new talks, and to "effectively bring Israel to compliance, including a cessation of all settlement activities." Talks between Israel and the Palestinians broke down shortly after they restarted in September 2010 when Israel declined to renew a partial freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank.

The Palestinians have accused Washington of failing to insist on a new moratorium and weakening the Quartet's position on settlement construction, which much of the international community regards as illegal.

"The United States must not again undermine its own standing and prospects for peace by diluting the Quartet's political position or preventing positive engagement on the part of the international community," Ashrawi said.

"The Quartet must exhibit the political will to translate words into action. Until this happens there will be no change to the current status quo."

Agence France-Presse:

©AFP: The information provided in this product is for personal use only. None of it may be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the express permission of Agence France-Presse.

It's not all about milk and honey...landscape

2011-07-09T07:38:00.000-07:00

The world has eyes and they are not blind - inshallah!

2011-07-08T00:17:00.000-07:00

Zeit online Ausland:

Nahost-Konflikt Griechland stoppt erneut Gaza-Hilfsschiff

Ein Boot der Gaza-Hilfsflotte ist vor Kreta angehalten worden. Griechische Behörden verweisen auf die Drohung Israels, die Flottille notfalls mit Gewalt zu stoppen.

Guardian Middle East

NZZ:

Massenanstrum auf israelischen Flughafen bleibt aus

Weniger propalästinensische Aktivisten als erwartet – Zwei US-Bürger abgeschoben

BBC

Israel set for Gaza aid 'flytilla' as boats blocked

Haaretz:

U.S. House passes resolution threatening to suspend aid to Palestinians

Resolution 268 was voted in by a majority of 407 of 435 representatives, and calls for renewal of direct talks between Israel and Palestinians.

Israel Police deport two pro-Palestinian 'fly-in' activists at airport

Ma'an:

Official slams UN report supporting Israel on flotilla raid

It's not all about milk and honey...fruit

2011-07-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

Electronic Intifada: Jordan Valley

2011-07-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

"Now it’s all gone": Women cope with siege in Jordan Valley

Bitterlemons on the UN debate

2011-07-04T23:27:00.000-07:00

The PLO decision to ask for UN recognition

A Palestinian View

An Israeli View

Why we are going to the UN

Yossi Alpher

This is the very attractive trade-off Abbas is offering Israel at the UN.

We are ready for freedom and independence

Ghassan Khatib

Palestinians are not going to the UN prematurely.

More diplomatic theater?

Gerald M. Steinberg

The two months until September provide plenty of time for multiple changes and extensive political maneuvering.

The consensus was positive

an interview with Hanna Amireh

Turning to the UN puts the Palestinian cause in a new context.

LMD 30th of June

2011-07-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

Street politics in the West Bank

Exclusive 30 June, by Christopher J Lee

The Party? is over?

2011-07-03T06:23:00.001-07:00

Palestinians in Israeli jails start hunger strike

The Guardian timeline on the Arab spring

2011-07-01T00:59:00.001-07:00

The path of protest

Jonathan Cook on arrest of Sheikh Raed Salah

2011-07-01T00:54:00.000-07:00

http://www.thenational.ae/news/worldwide/middle-east/britain-to-deport-israeli-islamic-leader-sheikh-raed-salah

Sheikh Jarrah

2011-06-15T03:50:00.000-07:00

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2011/jun/08/israel-palestinian-territories-twins-english

BBC Middle East

2011-06-05T04:51:00.000-07:00

5 June 2011 Last updated at 11:02 GMT

Golan: Israel troops fire on pro-Palestinian protesters

Gush Shalom/Uri Avnery

2011-05-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

Avnery, wife of Uri, has May 21 passed away succumbing to a longtime illness.

A devoted seeker of Israeli-Palestinian peace, she was a founding member of the Gush Shalom movement, an effective organizer who had a listening ear for all, a joyful personality.
She will be very much missed.
We have opened a special address for condolences: condolences.rachel@gmail.com
Please, respect Uri Avnery's wish not to write to him personally. The events of this week didn't leave him much rest. Though worried, we are grateful that he fights on. We need his voice more than ever.
The Gush Shalom team
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Uri Avnery
May 28, 2011

Bibi and the Yo-Yos
IT WAS all rather disgusting.
There they were, the members of the highest legislative bodies of the world’s only superpower, flying up and down like so many yo-yos, applauding wildly, every few minutes or seconds, the most outrageous lies and distortions of Binyamin Netanyahu.
It was worse than the Syrian parliament during a speech by Bashar Assad, where anyone not applauding could find himself in prison. Or Stalin’s Supreme Soviet, when showing less than sufficient respect could have meant death.
What the American Senators and Congressmen feared was a fate worse than death. Anyone remaining seated or not applauding wildly enough could have been caught on camera – and that amounts to political suicide. It was enough for one single congressman to rise and applaud, and all the others had to follow suit. Who would dare not to?
The sight of these hundreds of parliamentarians jumping up and clapping their hands, again and again and again and again, with the Leader graciously acknowledging with a movement of his hand, was reminiscent of other regimes. Only this time it was not the local dictator who compelled this adulation, but a foreign one.
The most depressing part of it was that there was not a single lawmaker – Republican or Democrat – who dared to resist. When I was a 9 year old boy in Germany, I dared to leave my right arm hanging by my side when all my schoolmates raised theirs in the Nazi salute and sang Hitler’s anthem. Is there no one in Washington DC who has that simple courage? Is it really Washington IOT – Israel Occupied Territory – as the anti-Semites assert?
Many years ago I visited the Senate hall and was introduced to the leading Senators of the time. I was profoundly shocked. After being brought up in deep respect for the Senate of the United States, the country of Jefferson and Lincoln, I was faced with a bunch of pompous asses, many of them nincompoops who had not the slightest idea what they were talking about. I was told that it was their assistants who really understood matters.
　
SO WHAT did the great man say to this august body?
It was a finely crafted speech, using all the standard tricks of the trade – the dramatic pause, the raised finger, the little witticisms, the sentences repeated for effect. Not a great orator, by any means, no Winston Churchill, but good enough for this audience and this occasion.
But the message could be summed up in one word: No.
After their disastrous debacle in 1967, the leaders of the Arab world met in Khartoum and adopted the famous Three No’s: NO recognition of Israel, No [] negotiation with Israel, NO peace with Israel. It was just what the Israeli leadership wanted. They could go happily about their business of entrenching the occupation and building settlements.
Now Netanyahu is having his Khartoum. NO return to the 1967 borders. NO Palestinian capital in East Jerusalem. NO to even a symbolic return of some refugees. NO military withdrawal from the Jordan River - meaning that the future Palestinian state would be completely surrounded by the Israeli armed forces. NO negotiation with a Palestinian government "supported" by Hamas, even if there are no Hamas members in the government itself. And so on – NO. NO. NO.
The aim is clearly to make sure that no Palestinian leader could even dream of entering negotiations, even in the unlikely event that he were ready to meet yet another condition: to recognize Israel as "the nation-state of the Jewish people" – which includes the dozens of Jewish Senators and Congressmen who were the first to jump up and down, up and down, like so many marionettes.
Netanyahu, along with his associates and political bedfellows, is determined to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state by all and any means. That did not start with the present government – it is an aim deeply embedded in Zionist ideology and practice. The founders of the movement set the course, David Ben-Gurion acted to implement it in 1948, in collusion with King Abdallah of Jordan. Netanyahu is just adding his bit.
"No Palestinian state" means: no peace, not now, not ever. Everything else is, as the Americans say, baloney. All the pious phrases about happiness for our children, prosperity for the Palestinians, peace with the entire Arab world, a bright future for all, are just that – pure baloney. At least some in the audience must have noticed that, even with all that jumping.
　
NETANYAHU SPAT in Obama's eye. The Republicans in the audience must have enjoyed that. Perhaps some Democrats too.
It can be assumed that Obama did not. So what will he do now?
There is a Jewish joke about a hungry pauper who entered an inn and demanded food. Otherwise, he threatened, he would do what his father did. The frightened innkeeper fed him, and in the end asked timidly: "But what did your father do?" Swallowing the last morsel, the man answered: "He went to sleep hungry."
There is a good chance that Obama will do the same. He will pretend that the spittle on his cheek is rainwater. His promise to prevent a UN General Assembly recognition of the State of Palestine deprived him of his main leverage over Netanyahu.
Somebody in Washington seems to be floating the idea of Obama coming to Jerusalem and addressing the Knesset. It would be direct retaliation – Obama talking with the Israeli public over the head of the Prime Minister, as Netanyahu has just addressed the American public over the head of the President.
It would be an exciting event. As a former Member of the Knesset, I would be invited. But I would not advise it. I proposed it a year ago. Today I would not.
The obvious precedent is Anwar Sadat’s historic speech in the Knesset. But there is really no comparison. Egypt and Israel were still officially at war. Going to the capital of the enemy was without precedent, the more so only four years after a bloody battle. It was an act that shook Israel, eliminating in one stroke a whole set of mental patterns and opening the mind for new ones. Not one of us will ever forget the moment when the door of the airplane swung open and there he was, handsome and serene, the leader of the enemy.
Later, when I interviewed Sadat at his home, I told him: "I live on the main street of Tel Aviv. When you came out of that plane, I looked out of the window. Nothing moved in the street, except one cat – and it was probably looking for a television set."
A visit by Obama will be quite different. He will, of course, be received politely – without the obsessive jumping and clapping – though probably heckled by Knesset Members of the extreme Right. But that will be all.
Sadat’s visit was a deed in itself. Not so a visit by Obama. He will not shake Israeli public opinion, unless he comes with a concrete plan of action – a detailed peace plan, with a detailed timetable, backed by a clear determination to see it through, whatever the political cost.
Another nice speech, however beautifully phrased, just will not do. After this week’s deluge of speeches, we have had enough. Speeches can be important if they accompany actions, but they are no substitute for action. Churchill’s speeches helped to shape history – but only because they reflected historic deeds. Without the Battle of Britain, without Normandy, without El Alamein, those speeches would have sounded ridiculous.
Now, with all the roads blocked, there remains only one path remains open: the recognition of the State of Palestine by the United Nations coupled with nonviolent mass action by the Palestinian people against the occupation. The Israeli peace forces will also play their part, because the fate of Israel depends on peace as much as the fate of Palestine.
Sure, the US will try to obstruct, and Congress will jump up and down, But the Israeli-Palestinian spring is on its way.
　

Today

2011-05-25T01:12:00.001-07:00

Settlers & right wing Knesset members will organize an inauguration ceremony of a new settlement in Ras al-Amud neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.

Quote by Rabbi Dr. Henry Brandt

2011-05-24T01:59:00.000-07:00

(...) Being the chosen people means, "chosen" for a task, a duty:

Go with the Thora, teach the way of justice and human kindness. (...)

Quote from an interview in "Entweder - Broder - Deutschlandsafari"

No surprise...

2011-05-24T01:52:00.000-07:00

Netanyahu is not ready for any deal with the Palestinians

Netanyahu is not ready for any agreement, any concession, any withdrawal; as far as he's concerned, it's all the Land of Israel.

By Nehemia Shtrasler

Psychology of occupation and the potential of religious leaders to make a difference

2011-05-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Dialogue between religious leaders as a source for change?

“Is there any justification for an occupation of a land in any religion? How is occupation defined religiously in the first place and where lies the responsibility of religious leaders in a political situation, which clearly involves oppression of a less powerful people? What can we do?”

There are laws and regulations, national and international politics and negotiations. And there is religion. Could it be a source for change? Is it giving people strength and consolation or is it even a source to nurture contradiction, oppression and/or moral superiority?

As a psychologist, I am interested in experiences and behaviour of people, both, on the individual and societal level. Individuals are influenced by their personal experience, their immediate context and - naturally - the society they live in.

The military occupation in the Palestinian territories exerts control over political, economic, cultural and ideological structures. The mechanisms of control are manifested on the macro, meso and micro levels of society and over the decades have cemented oppressive social conditions. Any development on the personal, communal and sociopolitical level is severely impaired by the occupation.

Both, the Palestinian as well as the Israeli society deal with the negative impact of these conditions – just on different sides of the coin.

The impact on psychological functioning happens in the form of internalizing oppression. On the side of the oppressor it leads to the need for constant justification of the necessity to exert control and the need for the recognition of this necessity. Arthur Neslen[1] speaks about a “…national psyche that has become scarred by mental security barriers, emotional checkpoints and displaced outposts of self-righteousness and aggression”. The inherited trauma in the Israeli society contributes to a collective identity as former victims, who are taking action to stand up for themselves – justifying the occupation as a protective measure.

On the side of the oppressed it leads to a feeling of inferiority; the ongoing loss of land increases the feeling of helplessness and inability to influence their environment and living circumstances. Traumatization as a consequence of the occupation is vividly observable on all levels of society. The Naqba as a central part in collective memory is of increasing importance for the Palestinian identity. Many negative patterns have their origins in oppressive social conditions.[2] The victimization is forming a major part of identity on this side as well, it feeds into a victim identity, which is very visual again on all levels and repeatedly presented as a justification for negative action as well as for a rejection of responsibility for such action and the rejection of criticism in general.

And what is “talking” going to change?

Well, dialogue is the start of taking action in the frame of very limited options in order to broaden the scope of options.

Options on the personal level

Taking action recreates self – confidence and strength, it increases the sense of control over life. Personal development requires strong role models and positive images. Especially in a highly exhausting and seemingly endless conflict people are seeking positive messages, to give them hope and consolation. So here religion plays an important role on the individual level. People on both sides refer to religious authorities for advice and hold on to their respective religion to give their life structure and meaning. All religious leaders are in the position of being advisors within their communities. This is where dialogue with people of other religions can increase knowledge, experience and a change of perception on the very personal, individual level, which will be reproduced in daily life and therefore have an impact on change on all levels.

Options on the interpersonal level

On an interpersonal level dialogue can evoke support and encouragement by the group. The potential in a bilateral, multi-religious dialogue is a positive development both, within the “own” group as well as the “other” groups. This is feeding into creating a sense of belonging, of solidarity - which may be true especially for the Christians and Muslims who share the Palestinian identity to a certain degree and who can contribute to cultivating a stronger sense of community in spite of religious differences.

Diversity can be perceived as a value and not as a contradiction, especially when a connection between the groups is created through identifying common values. This is a chance to raise awareness for the obstacles people face in their societal and spiritual lives. Awareness on both sides, for the diversity of religious beliefs, the diversity of personalities and within societies. A sense of solidarity as people of faith, with shared values, moral and ethic guidelines can evoke a mutual interest in political change and therefore convert fear into a sense of solidarity. Once a real connection is established, it will feed into understanding that a fundamental and lasting change of the situation with new structures based on common values and equality can only be achieved in spiritually (freedom of religion, freedom of speech, academic and intellectual freedom) and physically free societies with a viable economy.

Options on the sociopolitical level

A broadened understanding is the basis for developing a strategy and vision, reorganizing sociopolitical structures. A social confrontation of group interests can also mean to explore options to develop a different (shared?) group interest. Religion plays a very important role in both societies and their respective policies. Where religion is used as a justification for negative actions, it also presents a resource for positive interaction; policies guided by positive values, by one moral, not bendable to this side or the other, a moral, which is the same for both peoples. On the Palestinian side religion is playing an enormous role in society as for example the image of various legal systems applied under occupation has led to distrust in official legal systems and other structures, which are required in establishing a democracy. The increasing frustration about the failure to improve their situation, disappointment in politicians, lack of trust in secular structures among other facts, leads to a trend towards religious conservatism. On the Israeli side, the state is secular in structure, but very much based on a Jewish identity and nationality, which is undividable from religion, especially religious justifications for the legitimacy of the state and its actions, in which the occupation of the Palestinian territories plays a dominant role. Religion is the source for exclusiveness as a group and as a state. So religion plays a role in conflict resolution within the societies as well as in conflict resolution between the societies.

Option to change

Real change requires the feeling of empowerment in order to enable people to believe they can, not only initiate, but also shape change. Therefore, reflecting and interlinking development on the three levels is destined to become a powerful part of the dynamic of change. Here lies the challenge, the chance and the responsibility of religious leaders on both sides. Once people of faith act on the common values they have identified, they will be inclined to demand change towards a society which knows no good reason for an occupation.

[1] “Occupied Minds: A journey through the Israeli Psyche”, Arthur Neslen, Pluto Press 2006

[2] “Bridging the Personal and the Political: Practices for a Liberation Psychology”, Geraldine Moane, American Journal of Community Psychology, Vol 31, No. 1/2, March 2003 p. 100

Breaking the Silence...

2011-05-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

Former Israeli soldiers break the silence on military violations

Testimonies posted on YouTube by campaign group describe routine harassment and humiliation of Palestinian civilians

Mustafa Barghouti on latest developments

2011-05-20T04:35:00.000-07:00

Welcome Palestinian Unity

By MUSTAFA BARGHOUTHI

Published: May 19, 2011

My visit to the City of David in Silwan on Naqba Day

2011-05-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

On Sunday (15.05.2011) I went to see Martha in Silwan - she is staying with Palestinian friends right inside the City of David...It was Naqba day...this is the scenery on the way...

Somehow the crusaders have started a tradition, which completely ruins any romantic notion about knighthood...
And off they go to to restrain the heathens...
And here comes Martha to guide me to her hosts.
A nice place for patriotic concerts to the left,
and a fancy visitors center to the right.
Here you go up to the lookout, which is a popular place for all security agents...and tourists...
...then we pass the neighbours - apparently settlers from South Africa. There is greetings between them and their Palestinian neighbours, no further social contacts but no hostilities either.

Here's our wonderful friend in front of her house, making Freekeh (pic below). Her house is one of three Palestinian houses left in that location. One family has been expelled already. The house is hers, but it can only be passed on to family living in the house. So in case her son (or his kids) won't have children, the house cannot be inherited by other immediate family or anyone, but will fall to the state of Israel. The legal basis for this absurd practice is yet to be investigated. Will publish about it, as soon as I have managed to figure it out.

Freekeh.
The clashes at the Syrian and Lebanese boarders are on TV as we are indulging in our friend's stories, food and delicious coffee.
Next door, down below is the antique site which is assumed to be the remainders of the City of David - proof for that is yet to be found. Anyhow it is ancient ruins. Soldiers vow loyalty to their country here and get lectured about the - presumed - significance of the site for the Jewish people. Part of the preparation before their service in the territories. The program also includes visits to Yad Vashem. History as a key argument for the claim to this land and as one justification why it needs to be defended at any cost.

Next door.

The view - Silwan
The view - security cameras and Silwan
The view - Al Aqsa
One of the sons of the family aged 15, severely injured with knifes by settlers, when escaping from an egged bus, which he took to get home after an afternoon job. He was left to die in front of the King David Hotel in the time of the first intifada. His corps was not directly sent to the parents, but to Tel Aviv, where quite a few of his organs were harvested. The parents went to Tel Aviv to retrieve the body of their dead child for the funeral. The assassin (three settlers chased him, one finally attacked him with a knife), was app. 19 years old, so he was sentenced to 1, 5 years in jail. The Portrait is an original by Sliman Mansour. On thursday, 12th of May 2011, another kids (17) life was ended by force. The boy got shot in clashes with the IDF - apparently he had been throwing stones at police officers or soldiers. Without regarding this to be a constructive action, I am yet to understand why they need their guns against a stone throwing boy, who is unprotected, while they (IDF, police) are well protected with helmets, bullet proof vests, padded arm and leg protectors and heavy boots. Even the horses (this is the one sensible thing to me as the animals are really among the abused rather than being anything else) have helmets and other protective gear (see pic above). As an observer, I find it hard to comprehend.

On the way out.
Leaving.
Time to go home...

Surfclub in Gaza - amazing pictures!!!

2011-05-19T04:42:00.000-07:00

Gaza Surf Club

Views from Abu Dis - Al Quds University

2011-05-04T00:46:00.000-07:00

Two different angles of the campus...

Environmental & Community Tourism in Palestine

2011-04-28T07:00:00.000-07:00

Sebastia Guesthouse

Sebastia is a beautiful little village, full of picturesque houses and stunning views. Some of the ancient buildings right in the centre of the village have been turned into an absolutely gorgeous little guesthouse, which combines the tumbledown stones of Byzantine-era walls with the clean, modern lines of some very nicely-done modern design. The rooms are simple, classy and contemporary, and very comfortable. Some real thought has gone into the running of the guesthouse – the soap in the bathrooms is made from local olive oil, breakfast is a locally-sourced spread of jam and fresh fruit from the orchards, village olive oil and za’atar, taboun bread and hummus (all served on a sunny terrace, if the weather suits). For guests wanting half- or full-board, hot meals can be fetched from local restaurants, or there is a shop in the village and a kitchen you can use. And the staff are delightful.
The guesthouse is an initiative of the Mosaic Centre (a community tourism organisation based in Jericho), the Franciscan Terra Sancta, and Sebastia Municipality.

BREAEKING NEWS: CHANCE FOR PALESTINIAN UNITY!

2011-04-28T00:28:00.001-07:00

Fatah and Hamas Announce Outline of Deal

Znet zu Vertreibungen aus Jerusalem

2011-04-26T13:44:00.000-07:00

Israel verstärkt Vertreibungen aus Jerusalem

Immer mehr Palästinenser verlieren Aufenthaltsberechtigung

von Jonathan Cook

Sign petition here

Sebastya

2011-04-26T13:21:00.000-07:00

The beauty and the beast

2011-04-22T00:38:00.000-07:00

Palestine trough my eyes is wild...beautiful...guarding its tender nature with thorns...and unceasingly fighting the malignancies spreading all over as soon as you turn your back...
The other day we were talking about waking up people and what they could need, how we could shake and nurture them to stand up and create their world once again...we toulk a deep breath, sucking in the soft air, spring fragrances of soil and sun, indulging for a moment in the feeling that as the world around us was blossoming, life could provide us with new energy and more hope than we had been appreciating...and then there was the accidental look over the shoulder...in the wrong direction...and we jumped...realising that the settlement had been sidling up on us while we were taking a breath....

Reactions on the murders of Juliano Mer-Khamis and Vittorio Arrigoni

2011-04-22T00:17:00.000-07:00

Crisis Group on radical Islamist groups in Gaza

2011-04-15T05:50:00.001-07:00

http://www.crisisgroup.org/en/regions/middle-east-north-africa/israel-palestine/104-radical-islam-in-gaza.aspx

Activist killed in Gaza

2011-04-15T05:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4057173,00.html

Only very low people with no moral at all can do this. This is so not representative for Islam or Palestinians or people in Gaza. This is simply crazy and inhumane. And very cowardish. How courageous is it to mistreat a person, who is unarmed and kill him. How many people did they need to do this? How are they sleeping at night? How can they face their reflection in the mirror?There is no justification for this and there is no mandate from the Palestinian people. The whole West Bank is in Shock, paralized, ashamed, sad. On top all Palestinians will pay for this in one way or the other. The people who did this are their own nations worst enemy.

Ma´an on the Israeli Government*s reaction to Civil Disobedience

2011-03-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Israeli Diplomacy Minister asking Facebook to shut down Intifada Page

Maan News

2011-03-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Israel bans events commemorating Nakba

Women in Hebron on Al Jazeera English

2010-09-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

This is my darling friend Nawal , vividly illustrating the situation of the small businesses in the old souk in Hebron:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWZ7EDrSv1Q

12.8.10: Civil Administration demolishes Bedouin village of al-Farsiya, in the Jordan Valley

2010-09-12T04:46:00.000-07:00

12.8.10: Civil Administration demolishes Bedouin village of al-Farsiya, in the Jordan Valley

In two waves of demolitions, on 19 July and 5 August, the Civil Administration demolished all the structures in al-Farsiya, a Bedouin village in the northern Jordan Valley, east of which the Shadmot Mehula settlement was built. On 19 July, 70 temporary structures were demolished, of which 26 were shacks in which at least 107 persons, among them 52 children, lived. The rest of the structures were used as kitchens, lavatories, and for farming, including a packing house built 30 years ago in partnership with the Israeli agricultural export firm Agrexco.

Part of the ruins of the al-Farsiya village, in the Jordan Valley. Photo: ‘Atef Abu a-Rub, B'Tselem, 19 July 2010.

Source: B`TSELEM

New York Times on peace talks

2010-09-10T21:06:00.000-07:00

Obama Urges Israel to Extend Settlement Moratorium

By HELENE COOPER

Published: September 10, 2010

WASHINGTON — President Obama called Friday for Israel to extend its moratorium on settlement construction in the West Bank as a good-will gesture to move peace talks with the Palestinians forward.

SEVEN DEADLY MYTHS

2010-09-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

SEVEN DEADLY MYTHS - Amnon Noiman

www.youtube.com

Amnon Noiman testifies at Zochrot, in Tel Aviv, 06/19/2010. Testimony is part of the upcoming documentary Seven deadly Myths. http://sevendeadlymyths.webs.com/

Ha'aretz 24th of August 2010

2010-08-25T04:43:00.000-07:00

Published 11:33 24.08.10
Latest update 11:33 24.08.10

Arabic studies to become compulsory in Israeli schools

Beginning this year as pilot initiative in 170 public and religious-public schools in northern Israel, the scheme will eventually be adopted extend across the country.

By Haaretz Service

Jonathan Cook in the National on Israeli Government archives

2010-08-21T03:16:00.000-07:00

Israel should not keep its history behind lock and key

History may be written by the victors, as Winston Churchill is said to have observed, but the opening up of archives can threaten a nation every bit as much as the unearthing of mass graves.

That danger explains a decision quietly taken last month by Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, to extend by an additional 20 years the country’s 50-year rule for the release of sensitive documents.

Jewish Voice for Peace on latest IDF scandal

2010-08-21T02:49:00.000-07:00

Nation of Misguided Teenagers

“I still don’t understand what I did wrong. Seriously, I don’t understand!” Eden said during a morning radio interview after pictures of her posing next to blindfolded Palestinian detainees were found on her Facebook page.

New york Times 19.10.2010

2010-08-20T06:43:00.000-07:00

Israelis and Palestinians to Resume Talks, Officials Say

WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to announce Friday that Israel and the Palestinians will return to direct negotiations for the first time in 20 months, delivering the Obama administration a small victory in its protracted effort to revive the Middle East peace process, two officials briefed on the situation said Thursday evening.

At-Tuwani -- South Hebron Hills - July 22nd , 2010

2010-07-31T00:54:00.000-07:00

Israeli Settler steal a sheep from Palestinians - watch on utube

So now they are stealing the land and the sheep...is this their expression of being the "outpost of democracy" in the middle east?
The Problem is, while a one state solution seems to be the only solution in the long run these people would be getting to stay that way....

The European zur Thema 3. Intifada

2010-07-27T10:47:00.000-07:00

Israel und Palästina

"Es wird eine dritte Intifada geben"

Der israelische Publizist und Ex-Knesset-Sprecher Avraham Burg sieht eine radikale Intifada gegen Israel aufziehen – ohne Gewalt. Im Interview mit "The European" erklärt er, wer der Mahatma Gandhi der Palästinenser wird, warum Israel einen nuklearen Iran dulden soll – und Obama ein guter Schweigersohn wäre, aber ein schlechter Politiker ist. Das Gespräch führte Fabian Löhe.

Im Gespräch mit Avraham Burg

Sunshade - Update on Eli...

2010-07-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

If you ever feel like you could make more use of your balcony if only there was a sun shade...
and little wind blocker...
...just ring Elias - he and Zuzu will fix it within less than 2 hrs...

Eli the Taxi Wizard:

Elias Anastas: +972 (0)599085345
+ 972 (0)522671583

Netanyahu...not surprising...

2010-07-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

...suprising is, that the world still doesn't react....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6KLFrye9Xk

Taxi of Eli...

2010-07-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

Nicht verzagen, Elias fragen...don't worry - ask Elias:-)

I met Elias when attending the Bethlehem EAPPI handover party. He was one of two taxi drivers among the local contacts and the other taxi driver had just smashed his car...lucky me.

Today Elias is not only my advisor, taxi driver, shopping aid and handyman, he is also my best friend in Bethlehem and a close confidant.

Elias and his family (wife of nearly 22yrs and his much loved four wonderful, lovely, cheery, talented and absolutely adorable children) live opposite the wall and Checkpoint 300 through which one normally enters Bethlehem. In spite of working two jobs (receptionist at the Grand Hotel each night from 10pm to 8am) and, the view from his place representing the outer appearance of the manifold imprisonments in this country, he is actually the most humorous, caring and gallant person. The spirit which carries him through the hardships of his life is more than applaudable.

Which brings me to rave about his various talents resulting in the ability to provide the following services:

Taxi services day and night, inside and outside the country (his cool elderly cousin Raymond can take you to and from Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the airport - basically anywhere besides Gaza and the places you would need a boat to get to). When flying in and out from Amman Elias can take you to Allenby Bridge and tell you how to go on from there - if you find somebody to share the ride with, he will be happy that you can share the fare.

finding a house in or around Bethlehem

showing you around: the touristy sites in the area, the dead sea, Jericho, the convents in the desert, the glass factories in Hebron - he knows basically every stone and the names of the donkeys waving from the roadside...

being a perfect shopping assistant: where to get the best quality and priced vegetables and fruits, which supermarket has the best deals on household goods, where to buy furniture, kitchen ware, TV, fridge and washing machine - his negotiation skills are unbeatable and the most invaluable thing: where to buy beer in Bethlehem at any time of the day or night...

helper in all emergencies: he knows who can help you where, when, with what - this is just in case he is unable to spend the whole day with you at the police station after the most stupid accident in history, which doctor or dentist to consult, why the electricity in your house is not really working and how to fix hooks to porous walls....

partner in setting up and equipping a home - whatever you need - you name it and he will find a place to get it from and help you to put in in the right place...never getting tired of discussing whether the picture should be placed more up or more down, left right or centre, which colour will be good for curtains and where to shorten the same. He will find you a place to get pictures framed just the way you want them, mirrors for the bathroom, beautiful lamps at half price...the whole paradise of shopping and he even goes into the perfection of taking you to the cheapest places first, gradually moving up the price ladder in case of need...Elias is the kind of guy who keeps your interest in mind much better than you could yourself...he will joke you out of disappointments and share your joy whenever something good happens.

he knows everyone and everyone knows him - so far, I haven't found anything he cannot give me advice on how to go about it from where to find the best coffee and pizza and/or Nargile (Shisha) in town to the fastest affordable internet connection. he can find you a reliable cleaner and if there are any repairs he cannot do himself (haven't encountered this situation as yet) he will bring you the best person for the job, negotiating an appropriate price for you...

the most recent discovery is, that Elias can build beautiful bird cages and even provide the little canaries or other colourful birds to fill them with life - and tell you all about how to nourish it

I am sure that this is a very incomplete list of his abilities but I am happy to give frequent updates:-)

My recommendation goes in particular to those not speaking Arabic (Elias speaks English, as well as some Spanish and German) and to independent females who are trying to set up a working life in Palestine and need a driver they can feel absolutely safe with.
Undoubtedly Elias is a rather charming kind of guy but a perfect gentleman and chaperone at the same time. I am supporting his business as I find it a shame that so much talent and resourcefulness go undiscovered, basically working close to 24hrs a day without nearly earning enough money to cater to the need of his family, let alone his own
(Famous Quote "I don't need anything - only if you go to Jordan, bring me some whisky from the duty free...white label - it's the best...").

Ah, last but not least I should mention his life saving services: he will bring you a huge pizza and soft drinks within no time when trying to recover from a hangover begging for any kind of hearty food. And if you honour this special service adequately and he likes you, he might even come and bring you breakfast including making fresh omelettes on the spot, to revive you and your guest which you had to pick up from the airport in the middle of the night...

Contact:

Eli the Taxi Wizard:

Elias Anastas: +972 (0)599085345
+ 972 (0)522671583

Green Olive Tours to the West Bank

2010-07-17T04:12:00.000-07:00

ve Tours was the brainchild of social entrepreneur Fred Schlomka, a veteran political activist in Israel and Palestine, and a businessman with a long track record of unique enterprises designed to address social and political issues. The company has created a wide variety of tours aimed at independent travelers who are seeking to get 'off the beaten track' and have a desire to explore the culture and politics of Historic Palestine and the state of Israel.

The primary mission of Green Olive Tours is to educate travelers, and provide unique tours that expose them to a wide variety of local people and cultural mores. Religious and historical sites are also seen, in addition to visits to refugee camps, Palestinian villages, and Israeli West Bank Settlements.

Cultural and social exchange are also an important part of the tours. Visitors are encouraged to interact with the people they meet, ask probing questions, and develop an understanding of Palestinian and Israeli society. Through such interaction, local people are also able to develop a better understanding of the visitors' countries of origin.

During the tours, the guides provide ongoing commentary, interpretation, and critical analysis of the situation on the ground. The 'icons' of the Israeli Occupation are examined: The Separation Barrier, checkpoints, segregated roads, settlements, and walled Palestinian ghettos.

Green Olive Tours partners with many Palestinian organizations and business, ensuring that a substantial portion of the income from the tours flows into the Palestinian economy which has declined over the past decade. Visitors are also encouraged to do their shopping in cooperatives, fair trade outlets, and small businesses in Palestinian areas.

Mission Statement
Green Olive Tours is a social enterprise tour agency providing tours that are informative and analytical, covering the history, culture, and political geography of Palestine (West Bank) and Israel. The tours provide benefit to the indigenous population through the hiring and training of tour guides, overnight stays with families & small guest houses, and encouraging visitors to purchase local crafts.

The wide range of itineraries include interaction with Palestinians and Israelis, and visit areas that embody the history and current status of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and between Israel's Jewish, Palestinian-Arab, and Bedouin citizens. The complex mosaic of religions, nationalities, and political viewpoints in the Holy Land are explored in depth. Many of the tours visit sites of historical, cultural and religious interest, placing them within the context of the ongoing analysis provided by the guide.

http://www.toursinenglish.com/

Wonderful Women in Hebron - Local Handicrafts

2010-07-17T03:39:00.000-07:00

The new website of Women in Hebron is beautiful and offers the possibility to order via the internet.
I am also attaching some pictures of new arrivals: beautiful uni-coloured carpets, handmade by the women's cooperative of the Samoe village south of Hebron and 100% wool . They can be custom made on demand (size, colour/s).

I am supporting this initiative as I know the women and their situation - they really depend on the internet business picking up as there is hardly any customers coming to Hebron these days...

http://womeninhebron.com/

Women in Hebron is a small cooperative, running a small shop in the Old City of Hebron. This is the only shop run by women and supporting women in trying to give them work and paying adequate prices for their goods. I do have to admit, I am emotionally involved here: my dear dear friend Nawal and her no less dear sister Leila are hosting this shop and for me, even to stop by for a tea is one of my favourite activities...Nawal is wonderfully warm hearted and therefore not precisely a business woman, she keeps buying to many goods of the women and then has no idea who to sell them too, as particularly this summer there is hardly any tourist in the Hebron Souk...She is a very gracious hostess particularly when you arrive in the morning, thirsty and longing for a hearty breakfast - which will be presented to you within a heartbeat:-)

2010-07-17T03:37:00.001-07:00

2010-07-17T03:37:00.000-07:00

New York Times 6th & 7th of July

2010-07-07T01:30:00.000-07:00

Tax-Exempt Funds Aid Settlements in West Bank

U.S. and Israel Shift Attention to Peace Process

Berlinale - Mohammad Bakri

2010-02-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

2010 Platinum Bear for Free Speech

Filmmaker and Actor, Mohammad Bakri

Presented by the official friends of the 60th Berlinale

Download PDF here.

This past month, the State of Israel has attempted to silence Mohammad Bakri, one of our cinema's greatest actors and documentary filmmakers, an essential figure of both Israeli and Palestinian cinema. In protest, a group of past Berlinale award winners, participants, and comrades have nominated Mr. Bakri for the 1st Annual 2010 Free Speech Bear Award. On February 19th, a screening of Mr. Bakri's new film, Zohara,will be followed by a presentation of the award to Mr. Bakri --and a toast to free speech.

Seven years ago, after the invasion of the Israeli army into the refugee camp in Jenin, West Bank, Mohammad Bakri shot his film, Jenin Jenin. He was sued for defamation in Israeli court by several soldiers who were part of the invasion. He was censored by the Israeli censorship board for two years and, during the last seven years, has spent a great deal of time and money defending himself and the film. After Bakri won the legal suits, the soldiers decided to take the case to the Supreme Court. Recently, the State of Israel,in an unprecedented act, has decided to join the soldiers in their civil suit against Bakri.

In the eyes of the Israeli government, Mr. Bakri's sin is his daring tobe both a member of the Palestinian people and a peace activist critical of Israel's brutal occupation. His film Jenin Jenin, a passionate documentary about Israel's military actions in Jenin, is only oneof many sources of evidence that Israel committed war crimes there in 2002. Detailed reports on this issue have been published by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, and Israeli soldiers who served in Jenin have publicly boasted of committing acts which amount to war crimes.

This McCarthyite attempt to silence Mr. Bakri takes place against a backdrop of an urgent humanitarian crisis:the ongoing siege and imprisonment of 1.5 million human beings in a small enclave called Gaza. As long as Israel refuses to investigate its own crimes we can only salute a brave man like Mohammad Bakri who took his camera and tried to reveal the truth of what happened. And indeed, he revealed some terrible truths, but mostly he captured the trauma of witnesses and victims-a trauma that left Mr. Bakri's soul wounded forever.

In the face of this new attempt to silence, criminalize and bankrupt Mr. Bakri, and in protest against the ongoing brutality of the occupation, we have come together to spontaneously nominate Mohammad Bakri as our 2010 Filmmaker of Free Speech, and pay due respect to his art and to Palestinian filmmaking. By this act, we are saying No! to cynical attempts by governments to silence great artists through dubious legal means... And saying Yes! to dialogue, free speech, and a lasting peace.

Signed by

The spectre of Jean Genet
A Prisoner of Love 

Hany Abu-Assad, Paradise Now, Berlinale Competition 2005, Golden Globe 2006

Udi Aloni*, Forgiveness, Berlinale Panorama 2006, Woodstock Audience Award 2006

Saleh Bakri (actor), The Time That Remains, Cannes 2009

Simone Bitton, Rachel, Berlinale Forum 2009

Scandar Copti, Ajami, Oscar nominee, 2010

Elle Flanders*, Zero Degrees of Separation, Berlinale Forum, 2006

John Greyson*, Fig Trees, Berlinale Teddy Award 2009

Annemarie Jacir, Salt of The Sea, Cannes 2008

Sarah Kamens, Kashmir Journey to Freedom, Berlinale Panorama Opening Doc-night, 2009

Eran Kolirin, The Band's Visit, Cannes Prize un certain regard 2007

Guy Maddin, My Winnipeg, TIFF best Candian film 2008

Juliano Merr-Khamis, Arna's Children, Best Documentary, TriBeCa Film Festival 2006

Oren Moverman, The Messenger, Berlinale Silver Bear 2009, Oscar nominee 2010

Eyal Sivan, The Specialist, Berlinale Official Selection special 1999, The Grimme Award 1999

Kobi Snitz (Protagonist), Budrus, Panorama 2010

Yousef Sweid (actor), The Bubble, Berlinale Panorama 2007

Yael Hersonski, A Film Unfinished, Berlinale Panorama 2010, Sundance Festival, World Cinema Documentary Editing Award 2010

The Yes Men*, The Yes Men Fix The World, Berlinale Panorama, Audience Award 2009

Please sign the petition to support Mr Bakri's nomination for the award.

* Initiators

Open Shuhada Street - Peaceful Action 25th of Feb 2010

2010-02-11T07:33:00.000-08:00

Small Victory and Large Victory

Many people's experiences teach us that a large victory begins with small victories. After a people arrive at a situation of despair, you will see that they rise up against occupation, slavery, and tyranny. Past examples of movements for freedom testify to the greatness of the people's will, which triumphs over will of the occupiers and of the powerful. These examples demonstrated that the will of freedom and life is stronger than the will of death, weapons, and destruction. The empire on which the sun never set is a thing of the past, the oppressed people overcame the racist separation system in South Africa, the power of the people brought down the dictatorial system in Serbia, just as the angry people of France brought down the Bastille Prison. Past resistance and victory, study and experience, confirm that popular resistance is the way to freedom and deliverance, that pounding on the walls is preferable to dying within them without movement or rebellion, and that a sea of tears and sorrow will not carry us anywhere near the shores of freedom and security.

We are coming close to a very important and decisive battle, the battle to open Shuhada Street, which connects West Hebron to East Hebron and which was closed by the Israeli occupation over 15 years ago. There is now no Palestinian life or movement on this street, which was once crowded with motion and commerce, which was once a major artery in the heart of the City of Hebron, before its closure by the occupiers.

Free people of the world—those who defend human rights, including the right to live without constraints, barriers, and electronic gates--we need your efforts, and we need all your voices. We call on you to participate in our campaign beginning on the 25^th of February. On this day, a force for peace and humanity, made up of internationals, Palestinians, and Israelis, will unite to demand the opening of Shuhada Street, and to expose the racist policy of separation pursued by Israel against the Palestinian residents who live near this street, even after a number of them have been made to flee the street itself. We appeal to your conscience to help us release Shuhada Street. Speak out with us.

in one voice, for the freedom of Shuhada Street,,, the freedom of Hebron,,,, and the freedom of Palestine.

انتصارات صغيرة انتصارات كبيرة

كثيرة هي تجارب الشعوب التي تخبرنا وتعلمنا ان الانتصارات الكبيرة بدأت بانتصارات صغيرة
بعد ان كانت الشعوب قد وصلت إلى حالة من اليأس والإحباط,فتراها تخرج من ثباتها لتعلن انتفاضتها في وجه الاحتلال
والعبودية والتسلط.
ان نماذج حركات تحرر الشعوب شاهدة على عظمة أرادة الجماهير التي انتصرت على أرادة القوة والاحتلال.وأثبتت وما زالت تثبت بان أرادة الحرية والحياة أقوى كثيرا من أرادة الموت والأسلحة الفتاكة.
فها هي الامبرطورية التي كانت لا تغيب عنها الشمس أصبحت في خبر كان,وها هي الشعوب المظلومة تحطم نظام الفصل العنصري وتدوسه بأقدامها في جنوب أفريقيا ,وها هي قوة الجماهير تسقط نظام الحكم الدكتاتوري في صربيا كما أسقطت جماهير فرنسا الغاضبة من قبل سجن الباستيل.
مقاومة ودروس وانتصارات وتجارب اثبتب بان كفاح الشعوب بالمقاومة الشعبية اللاعنيفة هي طريق التحرر والخلاص , وان الدق على جدران الخزان أفضل من الموت داخل الخزان دون أي حركة أو تمرد , وان بحر من الدموع والأحزان لن تستطيع ان تحملنا على قارب يوصلنا إلى شاطئ الحرية والأمان.
ها نحن نقترب من معركة مهمة وحاسمة, أنها معركة فتح شارع الشهداء الذي يصل جزء مدينة الخليل الغربي بجزئها الشرقي الذي تم إغلاقه من قبل الاحتلال الإسرائيلي قبل أكثر من 15 عاما,هذا الشارع الذي كان يكتظ بالحركة والباعة والمشترين قبل إغلاقه,فلا حركة وحياة للفلسطنين في هذا الشارع الذي كان يشكل شريان رئيسي في قلب مدينة الخليل قبل إغلاقه من المحتلين.
أيها الأحرار في العالم, يا من تستمرون في حماية الحقوق الإنسانية والبشرية بالحق بالعيش دون قيود وحواجز وأبواب الكترونية, نحن بحاجة إلى جهودكم وبحاجة إلى كل صوت من أصواتكم للمشاركة في حملتنا التي ستنطلق بتاريخ 25 من شهر شباط.
في هذا التاريخ سوف تتحد قوى السلام والإنسانية من دوليين وفلسطين وأسرائلين للعمل على فتح شارع الشهداء وفضح نظام الفصل العنصري التي تمارسه إسرائيل ضد السكان الفلسطنين الذي يعيشون بالقرب من هذا الشارع.بعد ان هجرة العديد منهم من الشارع نفسه.
نحن تستصرخ ضمائركم للعمل على فك اسر شارع الشهداءو بان تقولوا معنا وبصوت واحد
الحرية لشارع الشهداء,,,,,الحرية للخليل,,,,,الحرية للفلسطين

SPIEGEL 1.11.2009

2009-11-05T03:19:00.000-08:00

Libanon fürchtet Großangriff Israels

Raketen- und Artilleriefeuer, Lauschangriffe und mysteriöse Explosionen: Zwischen Israel und der libanesischen Hisbollah tobt seit Wochen ein nicht erklärter Krieg, der laut Beobachtern jederzeit eskalieren könnte. Beirut warnt: Eine israelische Großoffensive stehe unmittelbar bevor.

Clashes in Jerusalem

2009-10-27T02:32:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xE7yIzmdRt4

Ma'an

2009-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Report: Israeli intelligence scouring Hebron for weapons

Bethlehem – Ma'an – The Israeli general intelligence service Shin Bet recently started a campaign to search for illegal weapons posessed by settlers in the Hebron area in the southern West Bank, according to news reports.

Witnesses: Israeli soldiers attack Beit Ummar funeral

Hebron – Ma’an – Israeli soldiers fired bullets and tear gas at a funeral procession for a Palestinian teenager in the West Bank town of Beit Ummar, north of Hebron, on Monday.

ZEIT ONLINE HEUTE

2009-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Israel

Geistlicher ruft zu Tag des Zorns in Jerusalem auf

In Jerusalem droht die Konfrontation zwischen Palästinensern und Israelis zu eskalieren. Muslime wurden aufgerufen, zur Verteidigung des Tempelbergs in die Stadt zu eilen.

Guardian Middle East

2009-10-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

Time for action on Goldstone report

It is deplorable that the Goldstone report was removed from the agenda of the UN human rights council last week (Palestinians bow to US pressure on Gaza report, 3 October). In effect this means no action will be taken to implement its recommendations this year.

SPIEGEL ONLINE

2009-10-06T10:48:00.000-07:00

SPIEGEL Interview with Hamas Leader Mahmoud Zahar

Hamas recently provided video proof to the Israelis that Galid Shalit, the soldier kidnapped in 2006, is still alive. SPIEGEL spoke with Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar about Shalit's impending release and the role that Germany has played in the negotiations.

New York Times

2009-10-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Israel Receives Video of Captured Soldier in Exchange for Release of Prisoners

JERUSALEM — Thin and wan, but lucid and very much alive, Gilad Shalit, the captured Israeli soldier whose fate has gripped Israel for more than three years, appeared in a video on Friday holding a Palestinian newspaper dated Sept. 14.

Ma'an

2009-10-06T10:40:00.000-07:00

Israel closes Hebron's Ibrahimi mosque to Palestinians

Hebron – Ma’an – Israeli authorities prevented Muslim worshippers from entering the Ibrahimi Mosque in the West Bank city of Hebron for the second consecutive day on Monday, allowing Israeli settlers to use the site.

Le Monde Diplomatique

2009-10-06T10:37:00.000-07:00

Bündnisse, Morde, Karrieren

Wie Israel versuchte, die Hamas auszuschalten

von Adam Shatz

Anfang September 1997 ließ sich Benjamin Netanjahu einen besonderen Film vorführen. Danny Jatom, der Chef des israelischen Geheimdiensts Mossad, präsentierte seinem obersten Dienstherrn eine Folge von Szenen, die in den Straßen von Tel Aviv gedreht waren. Sie zeigten einen simulierten Mordanschlag auf Chaled Meschal, den Leiter des politischen Büros der Hamas in der jordanischen Hauptstadt Amman.

Ha'aretz today

2009-10-06T10:31:00.000-07:00

Palestinian official: Israel deliberately sparking fire in Jerusalem

A senior Palestinian official on Tuesday accused Israel of deliberately creating "an extremely dangerous situation" in East Jerusalem, to trigger violence, justify a crackdown and tighten its grip on the disputed city.

BBC Middle East

2009-10-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Clashes raise Jerusalem tensions

Thousands of Israeli police have been deployed in Jerusalem during a Jewish religious festival after two days of Israeli-Palestinian clashes.

EA PLACEMENT LACEMENT UPDATE

2009-10-02T04:43:00.000-07:00

Entry Visas only for the oPt
By Bethlehem EAs

The Bethlehem team recently visited a gift shop
on Manger Street attracted by a new version of a
Nativity Crib that contains the usual manager
where Jesus was born in front of a high wall with a
ladder which depicts the three wise men having to
climb over it to visit the baby Jesus. While there,
they met Betty Najjab, an American business
woman and widow who had been married to a
Palestinian. She is a long time US activist for
Palestinian rights and came to the West Bank to
do some marketing work for the gift shop.
She arrived in the West Bank on a usual three
month visa. When the visa was about to expire,
she went to Jordan to renew her visa upon reentering
the West Bank. However after she arrived,
she examined her visa and discovered that it had
been issued using a new permit stamp with the
words “Palestinian Authority only”.
This permit is part of a new policy that was quietly
introduced in June 2009 that bars foreigners who
seek to visit the oPt from entering Israel.
According to Israeli Interior Ministry
spokeswoman Sabine Haddad, the procedure is
based on an unpublished 2006 decision by the
Israeli interior and Defence Ministers that states
"any foreign national who wants to enter the
Palestinian Authority must have a permit issued by
the army, and entry is permitted only into PA
territory”.
Making tourists decide between an Israeli and PA
only visa, will surely effect tourism and businesses
in the oPt. Millions of tourists and religious
pilgrims flock to Middle East holy sites each year,
visiting the Old City in the Israeli-occupied part
of east Jerusalem – which Israel claims as part of its
capital – and sites in the Palestinian
towns of Bethlehem and Jericho in the Israeli occupied
West Bank.

Susiya is back in the Spotlight
By Hebron EAs

Settlers recently attacked residents of the village
of Susiya southeast of the West Bank city of
Hebron in retaliation to the dismantling of part of
the settlers’ outpost by the Israeli Military. The
Hebron Team was able to react quickly to the
request of the local community, and managed to
change their plans on short notice so as to camp
out with the families of Susiya for four days to
witness the incident and provide a protective
presence, while continuing to follow-up on their
regular tasks.
The situation highlighted the vulnerability of
families living in Susiya. If any eventual peace dealinvolving further demolition of outposts is
implemented, the families here will bear the brunt
of the so-called “price tag” which settlers have said
they will exact. EAPPI and other internationals need
to be able to respond quickly to these events;
which was proven possible this week.
Regarding the attacked families, some are very
closely linked in with the activist organizations,
such as ISM, which was present, while others are
less so. The less-networked families are more
vulnerable to attacks. It is important that EAs
connect with them while being sure not to
overburden them, as the majority of families in
Susia are large and have very limited resources.

Curfews & Arrests in Azzun
By Jayyous EAs

Recently, the Jayyous team received word that the
Israeli Military was conducting an arrest raid in
Azzun. They then called Abdullah, a local contact
and found that a curfew was in effect. Thus, the
EAs went to Jayyous to photograph the army
presence.
The road to Azzun was open and the town was
completely empty as they drove in. However, a
little further into town, they began to see kids in
the street as there was a break in the curfew.
The team immediately went to Abdullah’s house,
where he reported that one of his sons had gone
to a football game the previous afternoon, and at
7:00PM, soldiers came and ordered the players
and spectators to go home. They arrested two
boys, one of whom was about 13 years old, and
by 2:00AM, another four boys were arrested.
Abdullah heard gun shots after midnight; a
neighbor, witnessed a boy trying to run away
from soldiers, but could not tell if he was
wounded. However, they did hear him crying as
the soldiers beat him - he was about 18 years
old. Abdullah said that the soldiers left at about
4:00AM, when he went to sleep. When he wokeup;
he was told that a curfew was in force.
One of Abdullah's brothers then dropped by
and said that a total of eight boys had actually
been arrested. Also, one home was broken into
and all the sons in the house were beaten withrifle butts.

House Demolitions in Jerusalem
By Jerusalem EAs
This month the Jerusalem EAs went with
fieldworkers from the Palestinian NGO Women’s
Committee for Legal Aid and Counselling to visit
women whose homes are at risk of demolition.
Demolition orders can affect small extensions to
existing houses or huge mansions. Here are some
of the ones they saw:
Imham’s is one of the 88 homes in the Bustan
valley threatened by the archeological park
scheme. She invited the group for coffee in her
impeccably furnished three-bedroom house with
its beautiful patio. She received a demolition order
shortly after the house was built in 1986 and has
lived with the threat of it happening ever since.
Although she has twice paid heavy fines and
lawyers’ fees, had hearings postponed, she now
awaits what she feels is ultimately a political
decision on the home she is so proud of.
Further up the hill of Jabal Al Mukkaber, the group
visited two sisters, Manal and Amani, who had
married two brothers. They had all lived in their
husbands’ parents’ small house until their growing
families made the overcrowding untenable. They
borrowed money to build extensions, got
demolition orders, paid the fines, but the orders
stood. Last year, bulldozers’ crushed Manal’shouse without warning, and this year Amani’s
husband painfully demolished his house
himself, to avoid having to pay for the
municipal bulldozer to do so. The sisters and
their six children are now both back at their inlaws,
with a big debt and the memory of a brief
independent life.
Their last stop was Um Qassem’s beautiful
three story house. This is a famous case. Last
year her 18 year-old son ran a BMW into a
crowd of Israelis, mostly soldiers. One of them
shot him dead. It was deemed by the IDF a
terrorist attack, and as a result, the family
home got a ‘punishment’ demolition order. The
family says it was a traffic accident caused by a
jammed accelerator. The race is on to prove it
in court before their home becomes a pile of
rubble. Home demolition as punishment is in
any case illegal under international law. The
other contentious point is why her son’s death
was not investigated in the way Jean Charles de
Menezes’ was in the UK, when a suspected
terrorist was shot by security forces in public.
The death of the Brazilian electrician produced
an outcry. Not here.

Following ACRI Petitions, Separation Barrier Rerouted
By Tulkarem EAs
In a recent decision handed down on Sept. 9, 2009 in response to petitions submitted by the Association
for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) on behalf of local residents, Israel’s Supreme Court ordered the State to
dismantle and reroute sections of the Separation Barrier that cuts through lands of the villages Far’oun,
Jabara, A-Ras, Tzur, Jayyus and Falamiah, effectively returning 6,000 dunams of land to the Palestinian side
of the Barrier. The current Barrier route annexes 25,000 dunams of a total of 37,000 dunams of Palestinian
land in the area, separating residents from their land and preventing them from accessing their principal
source of income.
With this decision, the Court accepted the petitioners' main assertion, ruling that serious flaws marred
Israel’s determination of the Separation Barrier’s route. Instead of the originally stated goals of defending
Israeli security concerns, the Barrier’s route has often followed the interests of expanding Israeli
settlements and new neighborhoods that have yet to be built. The land in question is considered the most
fertile area in the West Bank. It includes primarily agricultural lands worked by local Palestinians yearround,
which is a source of income for about 90% of the population of the villages in question. Additionally,
this area is rich in subterranean water aquifers and includes a number of wells that serve the region's water
needs. The route still causes significant harm to the Palestinian population, leaving 19,000 dunams
(approximately 50% of the villages’ land) on the western (Israeli) side of the Barrier.
The village of Jabara has remained on the Israeli side of the Barrier in a closed Israeli military area around
the Green Line known as the seam-zone. In this area, Palestinian residents require special permits to live in
their homes, are subject to stringent security checks each time they return home and are forbidden to
receive guests. The newly revised route will return the village Jabara to the Palestinian side of the Barrier.
However, regarding freedom of movement across the Barrier, the Court did not take a principled stance
against the current arrangement. Furthermore, the Court stated that until the proposed revised Barrier route
is completed, it cannot determine whether residents of the villages will be adversely affected and therefore
the Israeli Military Commander of the West Bank must evaluate the gates' locations and passage hours in
the future.

Settler Harassment & Vandalism
By Yanoun EAs

The Yanoun team recently read conflicting reports about a possible demolition of a home in the Palestinian
village of Urif. So they went to Urif to show solidarity with the people and find out what exactly had
happened. According to their interviews, at 1:00PM, a group of about 30 to 40 stone-throwing, male and
female settlers came down the hill, from an outpost of the settlement of Yitzhar besides the boys’ school
and approached the houses on the edge of the village. Some of the settlers were armed; however, luckily
there was not anyone at the school at this time.
Until about 20-days ago, there was an Israeli Army tent between the settlement of Yitzhar and the village of
Urif. Now the soldiers have to come from Huwwara, which takes longer; however, they came surprisingly fast
– some believe that someone called them. When soldiers arrived, the settlers began to throw stones at them
and withdrew from the village. The attack lasted about 40 minutes, in which they managed to demolish a
house that is under construction. This is the second time that the house had fallen victim to the settlers. The
support beams and walls in the house were destroyed.
Simultaneously, another clash with settlers took place on the other side of the village, in which a private car
was vandalized and the tires on two trucks were slashed with a knife.