Peace activists abused on way home

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 05/04/2002 | staff

[Kermit]

SEVEN peace activists have been abused by Israeli passengers while flying back to Britain after being trapped by Israel's invasion of Bethlehem.

The four men and three women, who had travelled through occupied territories on Good Friday, were allowed safe passage out of the city after he intervention of the British Consulate in Jerusalem. But they had to be escorted off the plane by police at Heathrow after Israeli passengers on board BA flight 164 from Tel Aviv began to abuse them after learning what they had been doing.

The seven - Joanne Bird, from Manchester, Emma Bleach, from Bristol, Chris Dunham, from London, Ted Curtis, from London, Kunle Ibidun, from Bristol, Jeremy Hardy from London and Lillian Pizzithini, from London - had joined around 150 members of the International Solidarity Movement protesting about Israeli attacks.

As they arrived at Heathrow's terminal four, one Israeli passenger shouted: "They are supporting terrorists who have blood on their hands. They are a disgrace."

Two of the seven said they had been injured by shrapnel on Monday in Beit Jala, a small town overlooking Bethlehem, as they took part in a peaceful demonstration.

Mr Dunham, 31, a consultant, who had a small plaster on his little finger where he said he had been hit by shrapnel from a bullet, said: "We are glad to be coming home.

"Our main concern now lies with both innocent Palestinians and our fellow internationals who are tempting to shield civilians from the brutality of an invasion by one of the most heavily armed forces in the world.

"We were fired at with live ammunition with a complete disregard for our safety and human rights."

[Kermit]

As they arrived at Heathrow's terminal four, one Israeli passenger shouted: "They are supporting terrorists who have blood on their hands. They are a disgrace."

THIS IS ABUSE?????? What planet is the Telegraph from. This passenger was just using his free speech rights to comment on the political activities of other people. What the blazes is wrong with that?

[BrooklynGOP]

"We were fired at with live ammunition with a complete disregard for our safety and human rights."

Uh. They chose to put themselves into that situation.

[veronica]

Thin-skinned, aren't they? Maybe they need to eat more beef. Vegans no doubt.

[Paleo Conservative]

They should have flow out of Gaza.

[Free the USA]

Mr Dunham, 31, a consultant, who had a small plaster on his little finger where he said he had been hit by shrapnel from a bullet...

Major injuries

[Thinkin' Gal]

Emma Bleach

Maybe some more sunlight too.

[demnomo]

Yes, and notice that there was nothing said--either by the so-called "Peace Activists" or in the article--about the innocent Israelis who have been murdered by Palestinians. These stupid fools are being used by Arafat and his terrorism-loving thugs for propaganda purposes. Both the IDF and passengers were far to kind to these scum buckets...

[Islam is a religion of piece]

"Our main concern now lies with both innocent Palestinians and our fellow internationals who are tempting to shield civilians from the brutality of an invasion by one of the most heavily armed forces in the world.

Where's the concern for isrealis. At least I can stop wondering how Hitler was able to pull his final solution bullbutter off.

[realpatriot71]

Is it not noble to take a stand for peace?

[whadizit]

Headlines! Headlines! That is all they want. I'm surprised they were so willing to leave the area. If they were true "human shields", they should be just that and refuse to leave. Boy, it takes all kinds.

[dalereed]

Too bad the bullet didn't hit him between the eyes!

[joyce11111]

Our main concern now lies with both innocent Palestinians and our fellow internationals who are tempting to shield civilians from the brutality of an invasion by one of the most heavily armed forces in the world.

And, what did these poor souls think of the suicide bombing at the Seder Dinner?

[Dan from Michigan]

My comment to the protestors...Walk it off son.....

[AF68]

If I had been on that plane, I would have hurled more than invective at those pro-terrorist communist bums.

[Dan from Michigan]

Yes...but these people don't really want peace.

I know. I dealt with their counterparts in Lansing.

[Bullish]

"We were fired at with live ammunition with a complete disregard for our safety and human rights."

If this were true they'd all be dead.

Typical, lying, bedwetting liberals.

[ZULU]

Too bad the Israeli passengers didn't throw these meddling idiots out of the plane.

By the way, how did the Israeli passengers find out who these meddling idiots were in the first place unless they were publicizing their views. What did they expect? Praise from people whose relatives and frineds were blown apart by those Palestinian lunatics?

It seems the British press is as screwed up as the American press.

[dighton]

"We were fired at with live ammunition with a complete disregard for our safety and human rights."

Golden Turkey Award, least convincing performance ever as human shields.

[CARepubGal]

Uh Hello! These "peace" activists wandered into a war zone and expected strawberries and cream from the IDF? I am so confused. Maybe their next move should be to the little town of Belfast! I wonder how the SAS and the British Army would treat these idiots if they wandered into a Catholic/Protestant battle.....