Today’s demonstration in Al-Ma’sara commemorated several landmarks: the twenty-third anniversary of the assassination of Palestinian artist Naji Al-Ali, the ninth anniversary of the martyrdom of Abu Ali Mustafa, the sixteenth anniversary of massacre in the Ibrahimi Mosque and the recent unjust conviction of Abdullah Abu Rahma. The protest saw Palestinians joined by groups of Italian, French, Spanish and Irish participants demonstrating in solidarity with villagers, all together totaling approximately 100 people. This expression of solidarity was also extended to others facing oppression and human rights abuses, in particular the constantly harassed residents of Sheikh Jarrah. The demonstration was accompanied by various songs of resistance and solidarity in many languages. Upon reaching the entrance of the village, demonstrators were faced with a blockade of 4 Israeli army jeeps. Despite their presence, the demonstrators continued their protest, singing songs and making speeches in front of the soldiers and raising Palestinian flags and banners. The soldiers’ disproportionate response to these peaceful acts of resistance was to violently push the protesters back towards the village using unnecessary force. The army also used sounds grenade and tear gas on the peaceful demonstrators - throwing both directly at people. One Danish international was hit on the leg by a tear gas canister but not hurt while an American solidarity activist received a slight burn when a sound grenade hit him on the back first, and then exploded on his arm. Dozens of people suffered from tear gas inhalation. The demonstration came to its conclusion shortly afterward but not before the solders detained two Israeli protesters and took them away to an unknown location. The agricultural village of Al Ma'sara has been holding weekly nonviolent demonstrations since November 2006, when construction of Israel's Apartheid Wall began in the area. They are a means to voice opposition to the expansion and construction of the nearby illegal settlement bloc of Gush Etzion, and the annexation of thousands of dunams of stolen Palestinian land. Mahmoud Zwahra Al-Ma'sara village - Bethlehem TOP