Checkpoint watch ladies win human rights award

[tinnypriv]

Checkpoint watch ladies win human rights award
Ma'ariv, 25 March 2004

The Association for Civil Rights in Israel has awarded its annual Emil Grunzweig Human Rights Medal to the women of Machsom Watch (Checkpoint Watch), who post themselves at IDF roadblocks in the territories to observe soldiers' treatment of the civilian population.

Presenting the award, Dr. Hala Espanioli of ACRI commended the Machsom Watch women for "their quiet but assertive presence, perseverance, devotion and activity in the cause of peace."

Emil Grunzweig, a Peace Now activist, was murdered by an extreme right-winger who threw a grenade at a demonstration in Jerusalem^*.

http://www.maarivintl.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article&articleID=5247
http://www.maariv.co.il/channels/0/ART/677/061.html (Hebrew)

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* "A demonstration in Jerusalem" is actually short-hand for a peaceful demonstration organised in response to the Kahan commission report findings being published after Sabra and Shatila. The Israeli marchers (including elite IDF soldiers) called on the findings to be implemented - i.e. that Sharon should resign. The marchers were viciously attacked, and as the article notes, a peace now activist (Grunzweig) was killed by a grenade. After the dead and wounded arrived at hospital, mourners and doctors were again attacked by hordes of men shouting "Next time we will finish you off", "Arik, King of Israel!", "You are Arab women!", "Begin, Begin", etc.

For those who have access to it, you can read the same groundswell of sentiments at the second link.

[shadu]

1. those also serve who stand and watch the IDF

Eventually, the world will demand justice and the
UN will enter the scene. Until then, heroes such as these
good women are of great service to the human cause.

[Muddleoftheroad]

2. The UN

Has already entered the scene. But it won't be allowed to send in troops. Nor should it be.

[Name removed]

3. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Gimel]

4. An easy solution?

The UN will not send another peace-keeping force in. They are deployed in areas that are quiet.