Photo: codepinkhq

Pace e Bene blogger Felicia Parazaider is a member of the current Code Pink delegation to Israel/Gaza.  Below is her account of a June 12, 2009 demonstration at Bil’lin.

 Hello Everyone! 

It’s been awhile since I have written and for that I am sorry.  For many days, the delegation was staying at a fabulous ecological farm called Eda-mama.  It was sustainable, communal living at its finest.  The only thing was that I did not have internet access. So, now you are receiving a big whopping email from me with lots of links—pics and such—plus an article from today’s very intense protest. The demonstration today was by far one of the most intense experiences of my life.  Fortunately, everyone is okay and we all are just tired. 

Please read the articles at your convenience.  My blogging will resume, though I am coming home fairly soon.  However, the work has only begun.
 

The demonstration today was by far one of the most intense experiences of my lifeThe trip may end here in Israel, but the journey to raise awareness in the
U.S. is just beginning for me.  As you may have gathered, we were not able
to get into Gaza…very disappointing.  Israel denied us entry three times.  More evidence of this confounding and disturbing humanitarian crisis.

I will write more very soon.  Hoping everyone is well and peaceful.
Life is sure different, seeing with different eyes.

Peace, Salaam, Shalom,

Felicia

Delegation Photos
Article in ynetnews.com
You Tube Video
 

Two injured at the Bil’in weekly protest
June 12, 2009
By Abdullah Abu Rahma (coordinator of the local committee to resist the Wall and settlements)

Two protesters were injured and dozens suffered from gas inhalation when Israeli troops attack the weekly protest in Bil’in village near the central West Bank city of Ramallah on Friday midday.

Residents of Bil’in and their international and Israelis supporters marched from the village center after the Friday midday prayers. They were joined by 40 members of the American group “Code Pink Women for Peace.”

The protesters demanded the halt of the Israeli illegal settlements and the construction of the wall. As the protesters arrived at the wall, Israeli troops at the gate nearby fired barrage of sound bombs, tear gas and rubber-coated bullets from the Israeli soldiers.

Two protesters were lightly injured, Mustafa Al Khateeb, 17, and a British activist. Meanwhile scores were treated for the effects of tear gas inhalation.

For more information please contact:
Abdullah Abu Rahma, oordinator of the local committee to resist the Wall and settlements
0547258210 or 0599107069