Whenever ISMers see a patrol of Israeli Army or Border Police passing through the market (Souq), our policy is always to follow them.
This definitely does not endear us to the soldiers, who are probably as happy to see us as Palestinians are to see them, but it is necessary. Often during these patrols, random Palestinian civilians are stopped and harassed by these guys. We try to get it on tape to document what is happening, and, when possible to speak to the soldiers to encourage them to treat people with more respect.
The following is a short photo montage of our latest patrol, which included following five soldiers around for two hours, through the souq and neighbourhoods in Hebron.
As they exit the yellow gate that leads to their base and a nearby settlement, the soldiers stop a Palestinian car.
They walk around for a while more, then march away a young man.
He is made to stand against the wall, and detained for thirty minutes. The reason? Possession of a small box of firecrackers. Yes, firecrackers. Not only are they absolutely harmless, but he wasn't even using them.
We spoke to the soldiers while filming them, pointing out to them how ludicrous this situation was, and asking them to think what kind of image they were sending of Israel to the world.
They ignored us, but eventually let him go.
The soldiers next stop two people on a motorcycle to check for ID.
Then it is the turn of a car driver in the Souq.
The trunk is inspected, for weapons, I guess.
Meanwhile, while these brave men are hard at work, Israeli settlers walk around the city, openly displaying firearms.
http://hungryandthirstyforjustice.blogspot.com/2015/07/settler-tour-pictures-settlers.html
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