Skip to main content

Israeli policies in Jerusalem spur unrest

Israel's marginalization of Palestinians, continued settlement activities and challenges to Jordanian and Palestinian sovereignty of the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Temple Mount area are fueling unrest in East Jerusalem.
An Israeli border policeman detains a Palestinian protestor during clashes ahead of Land Day in east Jerusalem March 29, 2014. Land Day which is observed on Sunday in Israel commemorates the killing by security forces of six Arabs in 1976 during protests against government plans to confiscate land in northern Israel's Galilee region. REUTERS\Amir Cohen  (JERUSALEM - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) - RTR3J44S

The Palestinian film director had no idea that her production was a security threat. Emtiaz al-Moghrabi had produced a film — "Noor" (Light) — about the problem of drug abuse among the youth of East Jerusalem. The documentary, which was screened in Ramallah and other Palestinian cities, was to be shown in East Jerusalem on the eve of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on June 26. A local educational institute, Dar al Tifl, was chosen as the venue and the event was promoted as part of the local community’s campaign against drug abuse.

The screening never took place. Israeli police arrived at the location half an hour before it was to start with an order signed by the Israeli interior minister banning the event.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.