Racist chants and physical attacks greet peaceful travellers at Ben Gurion airport en route to Palestine
Maan interviews some activists (see below) who have managed to get through to the West Bank. Others were attacked at Ben Gurion airport by terminal users, according to reports on Twitter, amid racist chanting. Police arrested the activists and then proceeded to converse and joke with the hooligans that lashed out at the peaceful travellers trying to get to Palestine.
ibnezra Joseph DanaRecap: three protesters raised palestinian flags at the airport. They were attacked by ppl in the terminal as police arrested them
And from Maan
BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- Briditta, from Germany, arrived in the West Bank on Thursday.
"As a German, I feel somehow drawn to Israel because of our history," she told Ma'an, "but that does not mean I tolerate illegal behavior."
Briditta is looking forward to joining in with activities planned by Palestinian civil society organizations as part of the 'Welcome to Palestine' initiative over the following week.
"I will enjoy being together with a group from various countries," she said. She said she had met a few people who also arrived yesterday from European countries, and hoped more would be able to join.
Israeli immigration authorities issued a blacklist of 342 passengers not permitted to enter the country to international airlines, and up to 200 travelers have been barred from leaving their destinations.
A welcome committee for activists at Tel Aviv-area Ben Gurion airport was called off after reports that Israeli police would arrest them on arrival, organizers said, and journalists reported that three people who unfurled a Palestinian flag in the arrivals terminal were detained by Israeli police. more
We did what had to be done.
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