24 September 2011 | International Solidarity Movement, West Bank
Today at 4 p.m. the settlers paraded as usual around the Old City of Al Khalil, or Hebron, from 4 to about 5 p.m. About 5 international observers, as well as members of Christian Peacemakers Team and World Council Church volunteers witnessed the pompous parade. Over 15 soldiers protected settlers during their weekly walk around the market.
“They came into my shop and started to question me about the Palestinian map I have on the wall,” said Nawal, a local merchant as she pointed to a textile map of Palestine she had on the wall.”This woman said that the map was wrong and that this area was all of Israel, I told her that it was correct and if she didn’t like it she could go elsewhere.”
The procession turned into a minor riot as Palestinian children ran and screamed through the old city while soldiers pointed guns at them, as well as several foreign journalists and about 10 observers.
A member of the armed service police videotaped the crowd. Eventually, after stating to no one in particular that Hebron belonged to the Israelis, a rabbi led the procession into their well-fortified compound and were followed by the soldiers.