Posted on 04/05/2002 7:56:07 PM PST by 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."
Oh? So you can show quotes where these "peace protestors" have condoned the actions of the suicide bombers?
Not necessarily. While you may believe that Arafat has been behind all the suicide bombings, the world is still waiting for a direct link - hard evidence. Until such time, Arafat is seen as merely the head of Palestinian people and those who want a peaceful solution have been been trying to work with him to a peaceful solution.
Perhaps this particular mission will gather enough evidence to show Araft as a criminal. I do not know. But if one does not know that another is a criminal, is one then still guilty for condoning another's behavior?
Regards, Ivan
I certainly hope so. Arafat, in my opinion, has not done much except hurt the palestinians and their position - not to mention all the hurt he's caused for Israel.
No, you placed me into a "centrist liberal" liberal box - YOU.
I'm not "centrist liberal" . . . silly man.
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