Release
Israeli Forces Halt Hebron Bicycle Action
Jessie Smith
7 July 2011
On Tuesday June 28 sixty bicyclists gathered for a group ride from Hebron to Al Bweireh to demonstrate that Palestinians, too, must have freedom of movement on any of the roads to their neighbors. The Palestinians participating in the demonstration live primarily in the Hebron area, and twenty internationals accompanied them. Many people, cheering the bicyclists, lined the streets along the way.
Before coming to the first checkpoint, at least 15 of the Israeli Military refused to allow any of the group to cross the checkpoint. Two policemen were also with the Military. Razor wire had also been put in place to prevent any other creative way for anyone to enter the blockaded zone. The Military said it was a closed military zone, but they could not prove that the paper they showed from a distance was current for this action.
After a standoff and much conversation the bicyclists turned around. Although the demonstration did not breach any physical barriers needed to reestablish Palestinians’ right for access and freedom of movement, the ride rallied activists for peace and exhibited innovative resistance that may inspire more creative nonviolent actions in the West Bank in the future, inshallah.
For Photos check out this web site:
Offline 
Send Email