On July 10, over 100 Palestinians and international solidarity activists staged a dance protest in Hebron in response to the now infamous video of Israeli soldiers dancing near to illegal settlements. Palestinians together with activists from Britain, Italy, Sweden and Denmark performed to Lady Gaga's ‘Poker Face' in the Old City of Hebron in front of Israeli soldiers by the gate which closes off Palestinian access to Shuhada Street. Watch the video here. Three of the dancers played the role of soldiers and searched and arrested three Palestinians. They aimed to draw attention to the real activities of soldiers in Hebron, despite the light-hearted nature of the protest. Israeli soldiers posted a video of themselves dancing near the illegal settlement of Tel Rumeida last week but the majority of their time is spent violently harassing Palestinian residents and failing to enforce law and order where settler attacks are concerned. The soldiers are allegedly present to “protect” some 500 Israelis living in illegal settlements such as Tel Rumeida but in fact it is the fanatical settlers – often armed – who verbally abuse and physically attack Palestinians on a daily basis. Palestinians and international activists chanted together: “One two three four, occupation no more, five six seven eight, stop the killing, stop the hate.” After the dance, the demonstration – held weekly on a Saturday afternoon – then turned and paraded through the town. As they approached the market the peaceful protesters' path was blocked by a line of soldiers armed with M-16 rifles – some of whom were seen kicking and hitting protesters. After a short sit-in the protest continued by turning around and heading towards the Old City. BM
