CPTnet
2 August 2013
AL-KHALIL (HEBRON): Ramadan at the checkpoint
We are in the month of Ramadan, the
month Muslims fast; devote themselves to charitable giving, peacemaking, and
helping those in need. It is the time of
renewing spirituality for each person. It is the time to practice social solidarity,
help the poor, strengthen family ties, and pray for the world.
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| Gathering at Checkpoint 56 Shuhada Street |
In Hebron, Ramadan activities are more
challenging. Cities all over Palestine
host public events in the streets. Such
gatherings are not possible in the H-2 area of Hebron due to the overwhelming
Israeli military presence. But on the
19th of Ramadan, a group of activists in Hebron organized an activity in front
of Checkpoint 56 (the checkpoint closing off Shuhada Street).
The activities included music
celebrating Ramadan and speeches from the organizers. According to the organizers, the activity was
about resisting the occupation nonviolently.
They resisted by practicing spirituality at the checkpoint, by
remembering the prisoners and their families, and by reminding the world that
justice will prevail.
During the event, soldiers came out
and asked the crowd to move, but did not stay, and the crowd continued to grow
and celebrate. About a hundred men,
women and children participated in the event, enjoying the music. Even the Hebron District Governor appeared for
the occasion to show the residents of the area the importance of their
resistance, and to thank them for their efforts and the sumoud (steadfast
perseverance) they are doing to protect the Hebron’s Old City.
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