Israel Matzav

Freedom from what?

This morning's paper edition of the Boston Glob (which my Dad still gets) has this picture on page A-11 with the following caption:

A CALL FOR FREEDOM - Palestinian boys, with images of imprisoned Palestinians, participated in a candlelight vigil at the Damascus Gate to Jerusalem last night. The vigil was part of the annual Prisoners Day, which calls for the release of about 10,000 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. AWAD AWAD/AFP/Getty Images.

The original AFP caption is slightly worse:

Palestinian boys hold images of loved ones as they take part in a candle lit vigil at the Damascus Gate, one of the main gates leading into the ancient city of annexed East Jerusalem, to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day 17 April 2007. Palestinians poured into streets throughout the Palestinian territories to mark the annual Prisoners Day, demanding the release of loved ones by Israel. There are some 10,000 Palestinians being held in Israeli jails including women and children. AFP PHOTO/AWAD AWAD (Photo credit should read AWAD AWAD/AFP/Getty Images)

Makes us sound like Apartheid South Africa arresting poor people at random doesn't it? And you wonder why our image is so bad? The truth is that those 'Palestinians' who are in jail are there for terrorist activities. Many have 'blood on their hands.' Others were 'just' aiders and abetors of terrorism, or terrorists whose plans failed.

More about the (unreleated - but they're trying to make it look related) article that appeared next to that picture later. I have to do some work first.

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 2:46 PM