PGHIMC - Pittsburgh Independent Media Center

Marhaba,Pittsburgh, And Salaam
by Jonas Friday, Aug. 29, 2003 at 12:25 PM
Qalqiliya, Palestine

ForPgh Indymedia: Hello Pittsburghers-- this is Jonas in Palestine-- Just Writing to Give all an update and to remind everyone of this currenton-going Occupation

final_project--_apartheid_wall.jpg, image/jpeg, 483x362

Marhaba Pittsburgh. Hello.

I am sitting here in Qalqiliya, Palestine at one of the internet cafes, keeping updated as to what is happening back there in my hometown, Steel City, Iron Cityof the Burgh.

I saw the photos and video and read the accounts of the day at the march/rally of Stop the Occupation in Iraq. And I hear that an email of mine was read the at the rally about the Occupation here in Palestine.

And sorry about the arrest. Cops suck!

So I am writing to all of you for your help on behalf of the Palestinians. Many of my newest best friends are sitting here in the cafe with me. Terrorists I hear peole like my mother call them. I can only laugh when I hear that now. After spending so little time here, although it has felt like decades, hearing the storiesof the men and women and children, all asking for one thing. Peace. Terrorists. Ha. Its even funnier when I can look off the roof of my flat and see the "security wall". The APARTHEID WALL. I watch in the darkness the sniper towers. At first I would peer over the edge- the first couple days-- afraid that, knowing I am an international here in solidarity with the Palestinians-- that they wouldnt hesitate to point their made-in-america f-16s my way and blowmy brains out like they did so many others. But that would be living in fear wouldn't it. So I gaze over the edge of the roof in the night and try to see the whites of their eyes. But only darkness.

The locals here appreciate our work-- the International Solidarity Movement-- they appreciate the fact that we left our homes with "air conditioning and girls and movies" and what not--to come here to Qalqiliya ("of all places") --one of the most conservative cities in the west bank-- and surrounded by the ApartheidWall.

Once, not so long ago, this city was a thriving center for life-- trading, farming, work, etc. Jews Moslems and Christians from Israel and Gaza and the West Bank frequented this once-amazing city. The Wall and the checkpoints and the unbearable living conditions made this city of Qalqiliya into a dark, depressing tale of underdogs fealing the wrath of a powerful army, supported by powerful armies, forgotten by the world.

Thats why I am writing to you Pittsburgh. In addition to the "STop the Occupation in Iraq"-- why not converge somewhere like 5th and Craig or Market Square or Forbes and Murray-- make some signs: "Dont Forget Palestine" "No Sharon" "STop Aid to Israel" "Stop the Occupation (ofPalestine)"... This is asked of me by the Palestinians here. "Jonas, please, when you get home, don't forget us, tell our stories".... And I will do this when I get back-- but, if you are bored back there in Steal City guys, then dont hesitate to remind people about the On-going Occupation here in Palestine.

Show these pics I have included of the Wall here in Qalqiliya. And of the Israeli Occupation Forces demolishing 140 stores and homes in the City of Nablusfor no reason at all--the owners weren't even allowed to salvage their supplies from the stores... "For Israeli Security." Thats what they say. Thats what they always say.

Stop the Occupation!
Stop the Occupation of Palestine!
Stop the Occupation of Iraq!
Stop the Occupation of our very own U S of A which has been hijacked by those insane cowards in Washington.

Get out on the streets and I will see you there when I return.

Salaam,
Jonas

www.palsolidarity.org

add your comments

Step 1: Find some paint and paint
by Jonas Friday, Aug. 29, 2003 at 12:25 PM
Qalqiliya, Palestine

hey_thats_me--_why_not_paint_on_some_walls_in_the_burgh.jpg, image/jpeg, 280x373

This is some members of the ISM and myself painitng the apartheid wall with Palestinian flags-- just on the other side is Israel-- seeking separation from those people on this side of the wall whose ultimate goal is ethnic cleansing of the indigenous palestinains

www.palsolidarity.org

add your comments

Israel Occupation Forces Hard At Work
by Jonas Friday, Aug. 29, 2003 at 12:25 PM
Qalqiliya, Palestine

store_demolitions_by_iof.jpg, image/jpeg, 483x278

Demolishing Homes in Stores in Nablus last week for no reason at all-- and people say they are seeking peace. Excuse me while I chuckle

www.palsolidarity.org

add your comments

IOF continues....
by Jonas Friday, Aug. 29, 2003 at 12:25 PM
Qalqiliya, Palestine

storedemolitions2.jpg, image/jpeg, 483x275

To use their massive military power,sponsored by the US government, to do whatever they damn well please under the fascade of "Israeli security"

www.palsolidarity.org

add your comments

And then....Becauseof the IOF...
by Jonas Friday, Aug. 29, 2003 at 12:25 PM
Qalqiliya, Palestine

store_demolition3.jpg, image/jpeg, 483x230

There were none.

Fight the occupation!

www.palsolidarity.org

add your comments