Israel Matzav

Baltimore comes to Tel Aviv

Received from the US consulate in Jerusalem:

We are sharing the following message from the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv:

The Israel National Police advised the U.S. Embassy that a demonstration planned by members of the Ethiopian Israeli community is scheduled for today, Sunday, May 3, at 15:00 in the vicinity of haKirya, Kaplan Street, and Azrieli Towers in central Tel Aviv, near district government offices and the Israeli Defense Forces headquarters.  

This demonstration has the potential of drawing large crowds. A similar protest held in Jerusalem on Thursday lasted several hours and turned violent, resulting in injuries, arrests, and property damage. We advise U.S. citizens to avoid the area and to monitor local media for updates.  

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.  Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.  Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

The demonstration in Jerusalem on Thursday was the result of the publication on the internet of a video in which police in Holon (a suburb of Tel Aviv) beat an Ethiopian soldier who attempted to enter an area that had been cordoned off due to the presence of a suspicious object.  Suspicions of racial motivations seem to be universal these days....

Labels: Ethiopia, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 1:56 PM