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Photo: Motti Kimchi
Nakba procession
Photo: Motti Kimchi

Nakba procession not approved by police

The Nakba march was supposed to take place near Nahariya during the upcoming Independence Day, as it does every year, but due to security considerations, the police decided to cancel it.

Israeli Police barred the Arab sector from holding a procession marking the Nakba on Israel's Independence Day, taking place in about a month. The procession, which was supposed to mark the "catastrophe" of the establishment of the State of Israel, was supposed to take place near the Kabri junction in the north, near Nahariya.

 

 

Public figures in the Arab sector have been working on organizing the procession for a long time. "We were surprised by the police decision refusing to approve the procession. Their reasoning was that based on information received, the number of participants in the parade would reach 25,000, and they do not have enough manpower to guard and secure the procession. We don’t know where they got that number. Their decision is political, not professional. The police don’t usually help us in processions. Their role is only to direct traffic, and nothing beyond that."

 

Nakba procession from years past (Photo: Motti Kimchi) (Photo: Motti Kimchi)
Nakba procession from years past (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

 

The decision incurred wrath in the Arab sector. Many of them called on people to show up even if the police did not approve the procession.

 

Ali Mahamid, a resident of Umm al-Fahm: "We will not respect the police decision. In all the years since the Nakba Day procession, there has never been any change… We will be there, and the police will not dictate to us what to do. They’re just gunning for tensions.”

 

Ibrahim Masarwa, a resident of Wadi Ara said, "The police will not decide for us how to hold the procession. We don’t need them, and we don’t need their approval. We will hold the procession no matter the consequences. Arrests and indictments will not deter us.”

 

MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi (Photo: Knesset Channel)
MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi (Photo: Knesset Channel)

 

MK Dr. Ahmed Tibi commented, "It is a political decision since the march has always taken place on this day. The purpose of the decision is not to allow a large march to be held that emphasizes our narrative. The decision must be reconsidered."

 

The Israel Police responded, "This decision was strictly based on professional considerations, and any attempt to infer other underlining motives, is twisted and false. We regret the decision of the organizers of the march to hold it on the very same day as the Independence Day, a time when there are hundreds of approved events throughout the country, and the police are investing all of their resources in securing the safety of millions of citizens throughout the country.

 

It is important to note that the resources required to secure a march of some 25,000 civilians, would require special police preparations, which, as noted, is not possible at this time."

 

"Unfortunately, the organizers of the march choose to put unnecessary pressure on the Israel Police through the media instead of changing the date of the march in light of the circumstances, thereby ensuring that it takes place in a safe and satisfactory manner," the police said.

 

(Translated and edited by N. Elias)

 


פרסום ראשון: 03.24.17, 12:55
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