Three injured, including Americans, in Bil’in’s weekly demonstration in the anniversary of Al-Karama

20/03/2009

by Bil’in Popular Committee

The residents of Bil’in marched towards the wall today after the Friday prayer. The protest was joined by Israeli and international activists.

Protesters carried a huge banner remarking the 41st anniversary of Al-Karama. Banners condemning Israeli’s ongoing racist policies and violence against civilians, especially in Jerusalem where Palestinians are facing ethnic cleansing were also carried.

The protest began in the center of the village, called for national unity and resistance to the occupation, and headed towards the Apartheid Wall which is built on Bil’in’s land. An Israeli army unit was stationed behind the wall and prevented the crowd from going through the gate. The army fired tear gas canisters to disturb the crowd, causing dozens to suffer gas inhalation.

At least three demonstrators were injured in today’s protest and there were Americans among them. The three: Two Americans Maicel and Maice, and Farahat Burnat.

The Popular Committee in Bil’in condemns the Israeli policy of demolishing Palestinian homes in Jerusalem. The committee is calling for an international and Arab intervention to stop these policies, especially with today’s launch of celebrations of Jerusalem as the capital of the Arab culture.