The people of Bil’in are using the symbols and language employed by Israel for the theft of Palestinian land in a bid to hold onto village land that Israel is attempting to annex for the Wall and settlements. Last week Palestinians from Bil’in, with their Israeli and international supporters, established the Palestinian “outpost” of “West Bil’in” which they are calling “The Center for Joint Struggle.” The Palestinian “outpost”, built on Bil’in’s land with a permit issued by the village, sits only a few hundred meters away from new Israeli settlement housing units that even the Israeli government views as illegal. The establishment of the outpost is the latest step in Bil’in’s year long nonviolent struggle against the confiscation of their land.

Israeli government efforts to swiftly remove the Palestinian outpost contrast starkly with Israeli government support for the establishment of hundreds of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts throughout the West Bank. The construction of Israel’s wall in Bil’in and other villages is being used as an excuse to annex Palestinian land throughout the West Bank to Israel.

The Center for Joint Struggle in Bil’in: Educational Program and Press Conference

Wednesday 28th of December

10:00: Guided Tour of Bil’in’s lands with explanations by the village’s Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements

13:00: Lunch and a meeting with Palestinian, Israeli and international peace activists

16:00: Screening of video materials about the joint struggle against the annexation barrier
followed by discussion

19:00: candle lighting

Thursday 29th of December

Press conference with Attorney Michael Sfard and representatives from B’Tselem, Bimkom and the Bil’in Popular Committee Against the Wall and Settlements. Details forthcoming.

For more information:

Mohammed 0545-851893
Abdullah 0547-258210
Attorney Michael Sfard 0544-713030
ISM Media Office: 022971824