Biladi! Biladi! (Photos from a few of SCB's adventures in Palestine)

Submitted by Liza Behrendt on July 6, 2009 - 12:36pm
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A leader in the al Ma'sara demonstration holds a picture of a relative in one hand, and a corner of the Palestinian flag in another. 

 

A press conference at Sheikh Jarrah, the East Jerusalem location of four disputed houses, where families have eviction orders for July 19th, so that religious settlers can move in.  The press conference mainly covered the participation of the Palestinian Authority, the UN, and cooperating powers in assisting families affected by house demolitions and evictions.Currently, I'm working with ICAHD to plan days of action surrounding the Sheik Jarrah issue, which has gone on so long that the news media is beginning to lose interest.


An outer view of the Sheikh Jarrah tent during the press conference.  In the background are the disputed houses. 


A soldier checks passports and IDs at a typical East Jerusalem checkpoint.  I got in a lot of trouble for taking this picture and forgetting to turn off the flash.


A walk through the Christian Quarter of the Old City, where the Jerusalem court is ordering residents, leasing from the Greek Orthodox Church, to demolish their own homes.


While building are nearly impossible to attain in the old city, this new settlement was able to complete construction in just one year.  The permit was issued for two stories, while the building is five stories.  ICAHD will be focusing on the issue of self-demolition, a phenomenon caused by "illegal" builders trying to avoid fines. 


Ramallah: Jonah challenges a young street vendor to arm-wrestling...


And Jonah loses.  His penalty is buying a one-sheckle bag of sunflower seeds.


Early morning in Ramallah's downtown


A Ramallah marketplace, hours before opening


al Ma'sara: Two demonstration leaders greet eachother.  The protest that Kaamila and I attended was festive and joyful, even with soldiers pushing us back.


A young boy holding up the flag


 

Rousing speeches over military sirens


The Israeli radical marching band, who I am determined to join


Swimming with my friend Asmahan's family in Bethlehem.  She has about 15 brothers and sisters, and her aparment is always a crazy party.  With the language barrier, I barely ever know what's going on.

Night in the Old City


Sunrise over the Dome of the Rock