Thanks to all those who joined us at the ninth Jerusalem Hug. Though 250 joined us from Tulkarem, Bethlehem, Nablus and Hebron, many were chased away as we gathered on the lawn between Damascus Gate and New Gate, assaulted by “anti-normalization” thugs. This coming just days after some of my religious Jewish brethren at the Jerusalem Day celebrations around the Old City, acted like idiots shouting ‘death to the Arabs’ at Damascus Gate…
In this atmosphere we met, and continued into the evening with prayers for peace, blessings from religious leaders, ‘hugging’ the Old City walls and a closing drum circle.
Deep appreciation for the courage of our brothers and sisters from the West Bank who refused to be intimidated, and put their bodies on the line for the sake of peace, harmony…and justice.
By joining the Jerusalem Hug event, Palestinians were accused by the East Jerusalem activists of being “normalizers”, helping Israelis feel good about themselves by meeting with ‘nice Arabs’ while the occupation continues.
In anything, we are the true “anti-normalization activists”. If “normal” is to live in fear, separation, to forget we are all part of the same human family, then we are “anti-normalization”. The thugs who attacked us, they perpetuate the ‘occupation’ that they accuse the Jerusalem Hug of supporting.
Breaking down the walls of fear in our minds and between our people, this is what will tear down the physical cement barriers…
We came together to show our shared love of Jerusalem, ירושלים, al-Quds al-Sharif. We wont be stopped by the forces of fear on any side.
Some of our partners even ended up in the hospital…. but all reports in, our Palestinian, Israeli and international friends refuse to back down, and are more committed than ever to this work, to continue the holy hutzpah, jihad for love between the Children of Abraham.
– Posted on Facebook by Eliyahu McLean, Rodef Shalom & AR Coordinator