berichtjes over israel

[jan van reusel]

REPLY TO: D66 at nic.surfnet.nl

      onderstaand bericht vond ik in het
      FNV e-Magazine Nieuwsbrief [e-magazine at fnv.nl]

      Israël markeert Arabische bouwvakkers
      Israëlische bouwvakkers van Arabische afkomst moesten bij de bouw van
een nieuwe vleugel van het Israëlische parlement een helm dragen die
gemarkeerd was met een kruis van rode verf. Op die manier kon de
veiligheidsdienst hen onderscheiden van de andere arbeiders die een gewone
witte helm droegen. Intussen heeft parlementsvoorzitter Reuven Rivlin de
praktijk verboden. De zaak kwam aan het rollen nadat de krant Maariv een
foto afdrukte van vijf arbeiders met witte helmen, waarvan drie met een rood
kruis.
      Aan de bouw van de nieuwe Knessetvleugel werken zo'n 200 arbeiders.
Van hen zijn 25 Israëliërs van Arabische afkomst. Volgens een woordvoerder
werden alleen de helmen gemarkeerd van Arabische Israëli's die nog niet
volledig waren gescreend. Om te voorkomen dat ze 3 tot 4 maanden niet
mochten werken, kreeg de aannemer de opdracht ze een herkenbaar uiterlijk te
geven. Zo'n 19 procent van de burgers van Israël is Arabier.

      er wordt in dit fnv-artikel gelinkt naar de engelstalige krant maariv

         17 Adar 5764
                  3.10.2004
                  Wednesday
                        1:24 PM
                        Israel Time

              Print This Article

                        “X” marks the Israeli-Arab workers at Knesset
building site

                        Hard hats worn by Israeli-Arab builders of the
Knesset's new wing marked with a red “X” -- to aid security snipers. ADL
criticizes move; speaker Rivlin orders practice stopped.
                        Boaz Gaon

                        Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin has instructed that
the practice of marking the hard hats of Arab-Israeli laborers at the
Knesset be stopped.

                        Earlier, Maariv reported tha the white hard hats
worn by Israeli-Arab construction workers building the new wing of the
Knesset have been spray-painted with a red “X”. The Security Department
instructed that their helmets be marked so that it would be easier to
distinguish them from other, foreign workers and keep a constant watch on
their movements. The instructions were issued even though many of the
workers were cleared by the General Security Service within the last month.
In a story scheduled for the Hebrew magazine section of Friday’s Maariv, the
X is explained as a target for security snipers posted on the Knesset
balcony, in the event of a riot or attack.

                        “We aren’t saying that there is no need for checking
us”, admitted Muhammad Hussein from Shaab. “But why do be need to be singled
out as Arabs? What is the red spray paint on our heads for? As much as I
want to work, this hurts”.

                        The distinctions between workers at the construction
site aroused harsh reactions. “I think this is a shameful disgrace for the
Knesset”, MK Issam Mahoul (Hadash-Ta’al) told Maariv. “This is exactly the
kind of thing that creates people like Eliran Golan [who was arrested last
week for bombing Mahoul's car]. I have no problem with security needs but
this kind of marking is insufferable. If it isn’t removed, I will insist
that it be replaced with a yellow patch”.

                        MK Mohammad Barakeh (Hadash-Ta’al) announced that he
would raise the subject during a meeting of the Knesset Presidium today.
“This is reminiscent of darker times and places in history. It doesn’t make
sense that in the Knesset, the symbol of Israeli sovereignty, Israeli
citizens are singled out because of their origin". MK Ahmed Tibi (Hadash-Ta’
al) broached the subject with Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin (Likud), who was
surprised and promised to respond. “Someone has made a terrible mistake and
tarnished the Knesset’s name”, said Tibi.

                        The Israel Office of the Anti-Defamation League
(ADL) has also harshly criticized the practice, issuing the following
statement: "While it is understandable that all workers at sensitive sites
such as the Knesset have full and thorough security checks, it is both
discriminatory and insensitive to visibly mark certain individuals based on
race, religion or nationality, regardless of security concerns"

                        The ADL, founded in 1913, is the world's leading
organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that
counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.

                        A Knesset spokesman responded that the marking was
required for security reasons and would be removed when security approval is
received for each individual worker.



                        (2004-03-09 10:36:41.0)



                        .





onderstaand (kort) berichtje vond ik ook op de internationale site van de
israelische krant maariv

Over 85% of Israelis believe Israel should file a request to join the
European Union, according to a poll conducted by the Dahaf Institute headed
by Dr. Mina Tzemach. According to poll results, 80% view the establishment
of the EU as a positive development for the world. The survey was
commissioned by the EU’s delegation to Israel. (2004-03-10 11:37:39.0)



jan van reusel

eisden-maasmechelen

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