Jamal Zahalka
Photo: Ido Erez
Europe to mark October Riots anniversary
Several European countries agree to stage protest rallies near Israeli embassies to mark 2000 clashes which left 13 Israeli Arabs dead. Arab sector to stage general strike Thursday
The ninth anniversary of the 2000 October Riots, which left 13 Israeli Arabs dead, will be marked Thursday with rallies and ceremonies in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Norway and several other European countries.
Human rights activists in Europe will reportedly heed to Balad Chairman Jamal Zahalka's call and hold protest rallies across from Israeli embassies.
The rally in Israel will be held in the Lower Galilee town of Arraba.
In a letter sent by Zahalka to various human rights groups worldwide, he urged "solidarity with the Palestinians' general strike in Israel… 13 of our sons were murdered by the Israeli police. The case is still awaiting justice. Our repetitive calls to bring the officers culpable to justice have not been answered."
Zahalka further compared Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman with the late radical-right Austrian politician Jörg Haider, saying Lieberman "is more radical and dangerous than Haider ever was.
"European countries which censured Austria cannot treat Israel differently. Racism is not restricted to a certain area. Our fight against Israeli racism is an integral part of the international fight; your support will show that we are nor alone.
Balad sources welcomed the overseas support. "Israel cannot continue to act as it did during the October Riots," said a party member.
The Higher Arab Monitoring Committee, which declared the general strike, has called on the Arab sector to stand united Thursday and take part in the strike, but urged cooler heads to prevail: "As proven in recent years, as long as the police stay out of (Arab) communities there will be no provocation; we know how to protest in a civilized manner."
