Less than 50 Arab residents and left-wing activists held a rally in Jaffa on Wednesday evening in support of Tuesday's riots in east Jerusalem .The protestors held PLO flags and signs blasting the government and settlements.
"The residents of east Jerusalem are subject to an attack by the State of Israel ,which is trying to Judaize Jerusalem," said Hadar, a left-wing activist who took part in the rally. "These same attempts are being implemented in Sheikh Jarrah in the demolition of houses and in permits given to settlers to live in the areas of east Jerusalem residents."
Jaffa protest. Palestine flags in heart of Tel Aviv metropolitan area (Photo: Dana Kopel)
The demonstration was held on the corner of Erlich and Yefet Streets and lasted about an hour, while police forces were on high alert nearby in order to allow quick treatment in case things got out of hand.
The protest died down eventually without any disturbances, but the event's organizers accused the police of attempting to create a provocation by detaining one of the organizers for questioning on suspicion of forbidden gathering.
"They came to him at the end of the event, when he was alone, and told him he was detained. Since when is it forbidden to express an opinion in this country in a democratic manner," one of the organizers argued.
Earlier Wednesday, dozens of members of the "Bnei Hakfar" (sons of the village) movement held a protest at the entrance to the northern city of Umm al-Fahm against the opening of the Hurva synagogue in Jerusalem.
The protestors held flags of Palestine and signs reading, "Our struggle is one – defending al-Aqsa and our homeland."
Sharon Roffe-Ofir contributed to this report