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CounterPunch
October
12, 2002
The
IDF Did Not Provide the Limousine...
Scenes from an Occupied Wedding
Photos by Musa AlShaer
Nader and Jala' AlMasri got married during
the two hours the curfew was lifted in Bethlehem on July 7, 2002.
This was after having had to postpone their wedding many times
due to the curfew and siege. There wasn't enough time for them
to return home when the Israeli army re-imposed the curfew of
the town. Most curfews are imposed arbitrarily and aren't announced
beforehand.--M AS
Wedding Photos: a context
by Paul de Rooij
Palestinians have now endured the longest occupation
in history, 35 years for some, whereas some others have endured
its effects for more than 50 years. Occupation is so pervasive
affecting every facet of people's lives. However, people continue
their resistance in various forms. A very basic thing like smiling
is an act of resistance. Of more consequence is to get married
or the decision to have children under the awful circumstances.
Tanks on the streets of Bethlehem, and 80+% unemployment didn't
deter this couple from going to their wedding. It is also a
sign of resistance against the occupation that engulfs them.
Occupation also has meant that people
can't plan anything. It is not possible to tell friends to come
over or meet at a restaurant it is not possible to know
ahead of time when to meet, or if they will have time to make
it home before the next curfew is imposed. Occupation has also
made people plan for their deaths! It is not uncommon to have
a dead person at home for several days, and only then will the
local Israeli army commander issue a permit for the undertaker
to remove the body. The Israeli army also restricts the number
of mourners attending the funeral. So, people are encouraged
to die during non-curfew hours! The announcement for weddings
is done on the local TV "You are cordially invited to our
wedding to take place at the church on the first non
curfew day, one hour after the curfew is lifted."
Note that Nablus has been under curfew
since June, thus more than 100 days. The word "curfew"
is perhaps a misconception. As Sam Bahour, a Palestinian writer
in Ramallah, has said, "lock down" is a more accurate
term to describe their condition. In Nablus people aren't allowed
to go to the rooftops, balconies, or stand next to the windows
they risk being shot by a sniper. The residents of Nablus
are only allowed onto the streets for four hours every week.
People will then have to scramble to get the basic survival
supplies and at the same time try to sell the few family
possessions left to obtain the necessary money for survival."
-- this description of the pervasiveness
of occupation is based on a talk, "I resist therefore I
am," given by Dr. Nuha Khoury in London on Sept. 9, 2002.
She is a resident of Bethlehem and a Coordinator at the Dar
Al Kalima Academy.
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October 9,
2002
Hesham Hassaballa
Here
We Go Again:
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Ann Pettifer
Brainwashing
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Robert Jensen
Bush's
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David Vest
Dylan in
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The Anvil
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Norman Madarasz
The
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William Hughes
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Ron Jacobs
The Struggle
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Sen. Robert
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Michael Schwalbe
The
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Ralph Nader
Holding
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Robert Buzzanco
Pacifica
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Gary Leupp
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Todd Chretien & Sue Sandlin
"It's All About Power on the
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Poetry
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