Hebron - Human Rights groups not allowed to demonstrate

The new order of the times governs the occupation microcosmos of Hebron

Our visit yesterday in Hebron was horrible. Many organizations came to make a protest tour in this ghost town (organized by "Breaking the Silence") and to acquaint people who have never been with the horrible reality of the place. 

The protest was in answer to the arrest of a Palestinian activist who photographed the vicious attack by a soldier on an Israeli activist. All this just goes to show how rapidly things have changed and how determined the government it to hide any resistance from the face of the public. I just realised that I used the word resistance!! 

I was surprised that they did not stop us on the way as they usually do. There were six buses from all over the country, about 300 people and this time many faces of people I did not know. All the human rights organizations were represented. But this time the army was very clever. They even spoke to the leaders of the buses politely and with none of the usual arrogance and allowed us to enter that hell hole with no problem. 

They gathered us all in the main parking place near the Cave of the Patriarchs. Having first told us that there was to be no stopping on the way and no getting off the buses. Once we got there we heard the announcement that Hebron was now a closed military area and that we could not leave the area. We were surrounded by fences and almost 50 police/soldiers guarding every corner, some with electronic cameras filming activists non stop. They warned by megaphone that any stepping out will be heavily punished.

At one corner by the police stood about 10 deep-right wingers with a megaphone who shouted deafening hatred calls during all this imprisoned gathering for more than one and a half hour! "Shame, Shame, You anarchists hate the IDF soldiers, Leave them alone, Terror supporters" and other obscenities.

There was no attempt from us to storm the barricades though I am sure that that was in the minds of many people and I also am sure that had we tried to do so that the army would have stopped at very little to contain us. In any case with the amount of police present there was no possibility of that happening and, in any case, that is not our way. Though that too may change.

Issa Amro, who filmed the incident mentioned above - an acivist who founded a non-violent center in a house in Tel Rumeida, near the settlers - came and spoke to us. It was very brave of him, as he was released only two days before from detention. He spoke of solidarity so needed in these hard times and of resilience in face of the occupation and apartheid. I was surprised that he was allowed to do so. But the army again was very clever and waited until we left and then arrested him again. I believe that afterwards he was freed. 

As we drove out of the square it was so humiliating to see see the settlers come out of their hidey holes and embrace and tap the police on the shoulder. We were again warned not to stop the buses or get out at any place before leaving the area.

Hard feelings and past histotical context were the lesson of the day.