United States to Assist Palestinian Refugees in Syria
Earlier today officials from the U.S. Embassy in Damascus, the Syrian Arab Republic Government, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) inaugurated a newly constructed community center that will benefit nearly 144,000 Palestinian refugees living in Yarmouk refugee camp in Damascus. The United States contributed $1.4 million to support the construction of the community center.
The United States is UNRWA’s largest bilateral donor. In 2009, the United States provided over $267 million to UNRWA. With this contribution, the U.S will have provided over $115 million to UNRWA in 2010, including $60 million for the General Fund, which supports core services for 4.7 million refugees in the West Bank, Gaza, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, such as providing education for nearly 500,000 Palestinian children in 691 UNRWA schools.
Core Issues- Palestine
"Palestinian refugees must be given the option to exercise their right of return (as well as receive compensation for their losses arising from their dispossession and displacement) though refugees may prefer other options such as: (i) resettlement in third countries, (ii) resettlement in a newly independent Palestine (even though they originate from that part of Palestine which became Israel) or (iii) normalization of their legal status in the host country where they currently reside. What is important is that individual refugees decide for themselves which option they prefer – a decision must not be imposed upon them."
Core Issues
BordersSettlementsJerusalemRefugeesWaterEconomic RelationsCompensationSecurity
The PLO has accepted that Israel’s 1967 Pre-Occupation borders (the “Green Line”) shall serve as the international border between the states of Palestine and Israel. In other words, Palestinians have recognized Israel on 78% of historic Palestine while accepting to create a state on the remaining 22%.
The PLO’s position is consistent with international law which forbids Israel from acquiring territory by force.
Israeli colonies in the Occupied Palestinian Territories are not only illegal but also threaten the viability of a two-state solution. As part of a viable two-state solution, all Israeli colonies must be evacuated, including those located in Occupied East Jerusalem. One way to achieve a peaceful evacuation of the colonies would be for the government of Israel to remove all economic and other incentives luring Israelis into Occupied Territory while simultaneously providing similar incentives for current settlers to move back to Israel.
Israel has no legal right to any part of East Jerusalem since East Jerusalem was part of the Palestinian territories occupied in 1967. East Jerusalem is part of the territory over which the indigenous Palestinian population shall exercise sovereignty upon Israeli withdrawal.
In conformity with international law and as stated in the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements, all of Jerusalem (and not merely East Jerusalem) is the subject of permanent status negotiations.
Jerusalem should be an open city. Within Jerusalem, irrespective of the resolution of the question of sovereignty, there should be no physical partition that would prevent the free circulation of persons within it.
Palestine and Israel shall be committed to guaranteeing freedom of worship at and access to religious sites within Jerusalem. Both states will take all possible measures to protect such sites and preserve their dignity.
Refugees and the Right of Return
Palestinian refugees must be given the option to exercise their right of return (as well as receive compensation for their losses arising from their dispossession and displacement) though refugees may prefer other options such as: (i) resettlement in third countries, (ii) resettlement in a newly independent Palestine (even though they originate from that part of Palestine which became Israel) or (iii) normalization of their legal status in the host country where they currently reside. What is important is that individual refugees decide for themselves which option they prefer – a decision must not be imposed upon them.
The Palestinians accept international law and how it governs the allocation of freshwater resources shared by Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Under the law of international watercourses, as reflected in the related 1997 United Nations Convention, the State of Palestine is entitled to an equitable and reasonable allocation of shared freshwater resources, including those in the four main aquifers and the Jordan River. The fair allocation of water rights is a critical element for future political stability in the region as a whole. Finally, under international law, Israel must pay compensation for the past and ongoing illegal use of Palestinian water resources.
Palestinians are dedicated to establishing Palestine as an open, progressive economy capable of attracting foreign investment. Accordingly, Palestinians seek full control over their economic borders and policies, including import and export policies.
Palestine will pursue an open trade policy that is transparent and based on World Trade Organization agreements. In addition, when mutually beneficial, Palestine will pursue free trade agreements like the ones the Palestinian Authority currently enjoys with the USA, EU and Canada. Palestine shall pursue a free trade agreement with Israel based on a free flow of Israeli goods into the Palestinian market if there is a balancing free flow of Palestinian labor into the Israeli market.
To protect Palestinian interests, the PLO seeks a neutral arbiter of all Palestinian complaints of Israeli violations of economic agreements, as well as provision for damages from such actions.
Compensation to the Palestinian People and Government
Israel owes financial compensation to Palestinians for Palestinian property stolen or destroyed by Israel. Conservative estimates of the current value of such property run well into the billions of dollars, though estimates vary based on whether non-material losses are included.
In addition, Israel is obligated to compensate the Palestinian government for material and non-material losses in connection, with inter alia, (i) destruction and/or confiscation of property and other losses in maintaining the military occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, (ii) use and depletion of Palestinian natural resources and (iii) breaches of human rights.
The Palestinians seek to structure security relations between the states of Palestine and Israel in ways that will:
1) Provide effective responses to specific threats.
Each of Palestine and Israel would be a state of law and order and would deal effectively and promptly with any threat, internally and externally, which would undermine the state, its population and/or neighboring states.
2) Create mechanisms for ongoing cooperation.
Palestine and Israel shall cooperate on security matters including the sharing of security related information.
3) Respect international human rights.
Palestine and Israel will (i) respect the rights of individuals as set forth in universal declarations and (ii) uphold international human rights charters.
4) Promote regional and international peace and security.
Palestine shall develop relations with all its bordering states in order to promote peace, security and stability in the region and internationally.
*For additional information on issues related to Palestinian-Israeli negotiations, please visit: http://www.nad-plo.org/ .
In 1948 United Nations Mediator Count Folke Bernadotte pointed out that "It would be an offence against the principles of justice if those innocent victims of could not return to their homes while [Zionist] immigrants flowed into Palestine to take their place." This is still true today.
"Music is a language for the heart."... UNWRA: Young musicians perform in anniversary concert
Young musicians perform in anniversary concert
14 May 2010
Amman
"I cannot put into words the joy I'm feeling," declared Shaden, a 6th grader from Jordan's largest refugee camp, Baqa'a. Shaden was part of a group of 200 UNRWA schoolchildren in Jordan who starred in a concert by Dutch composer Merlijn Twaalfhoven on 17 April.
The concert at the Al Munameqa theatre in Amman marked UNRWA’s 60 anniversary. Richard Cook, director of UNRWA operations in Jordan, said: "While the 60th anniversary of UNRWA is a sad occasion for Palestinians around the world, the events UNRWA will hold in the course of this summer are intended to bring joy to the community."
"It was evident to me as I sat in the audience that the children were getting as much out of performing as the audience was getting out of observing," Richard continued. "What they have shown here is the talent that exists wherever Palestinians work and live around the world."
Sharing art
Merlijn believes the concert showed the audience an innovative way of sharing art. He explained: "You need to break through people’s expectations. Art is a great tool to get access beyond surface."
The concert also included professional musicians from Holland and the Jordanian band Shoo Hal Ayam, while UNRWA pupils made up the string section and an all-girl choir led the singing.
Merlijn said: "Music is a language for the heart. It is important for children to develop skills for the hands, to train the mind for mathematics, language, and the heart for rhythm, music and feeling. Music is communication, that's what we hope to share."
Enthusiasm
Heleen van der Beek, deputy head of mission at the Dutch Embassy in Amman, was delighted by the children’s enthusiasm. "It is very nice to give children the opportunity to express themselves and show what they can do. Having a setting like this, where they are made to feel like movie stars, is fantastic,” she said. “I believe it is the best you can do, a way they can learn really important things.”
Malak, a 7th grader from Baqa'a school, joined her friend Shaden. "We learned new things, we saw new things and we saw hope as well,” she said. “This is the first time I’ve performed in front of a crowd. I advise everyone who participates in such a big event not to panic; it is ok, you can do it."
By Fabiano Jácome
Photo Galleries
"With the hope for peace and understanding" Elvis Costello
It Is After Considerable Contemplation....
It is after considerable contemplation that I have lately arrived at the decision that I must withdraw from the two performances scheduled in Israel on the 30th of June and the 1st of July.One lives in hope that music is more than mere noise, filling up idle time, whether intending to elate or lament.
Then there are occasions when merely having your name added to a concert schedule may be interpreted as a political act that resonates more than anything that might be sung and it may be assumed that one has no mind for the suffering of the innocent.
I must believe that the audience for the coming concerts would have contained many people who question the policies of their government on settlement and deplore conditions that visit intimidation, humiliation or much worse on Palestinian civilians in the name of national security.
I am also keenly aware of the sensitivity of these themes in the wake of so many despicable acts of violence perpetrated in the name of liberation.
Some will regard all of this an unknowable without personal experience but if these subjects are actually too grave and complex to be addressed in a concert, then it is also quite impossible to simply look the other way.
I offer my sincere apologies for any disappointment to the advance ticket holders as well as to the organizers.
My thanks also go to the members of the Israeli media with whom I had most rewarding and illuminating conversations. They may regard these exchanges as a waste of their time but they were of great value and help to me in gaining an appreciation of the cultural scene.
I hope it is possible to understand that I am not taking this decision lightly or so I may stand beneath any banner, nor is it one in which I imagine myself to possess any unique or eternal truth.
It is a matter of instinct and conscience.
It has been necessary to dial out the falsehoods of propaganda, the double game and hysterical language of politics, the vanity and self-righteousness of public communiqués from cranks in order to eventually sift through my own conflicted thoughts.
I have come to the following conclusions.
One must at least consider any rational argument that comes before the appeal of more desperate means.
Sometimes a silence in music is better than adding to the static and so an end to it.
I cannot imagine receiving another invitation to perform in Israel, which is a matter of regret but I can imagine a better time when I would not be writing this.
With the hope for peace and understanding. Elvis Costello
Rejoicing in Our Little Victories By Joharah Baker for MIFTAH
| Date posted: May 19, 2010 By Joharah Baker for MIFTAH | |
| The Palestinians, including myself, are often guilty of always focusing on the negative. Not that this is totally unjustified given our conditions, but it also means that we paint a pretty bleak picture for ourselves, which can be a real downer, if you know what I mean. Like I said, I am just as guilty as any other Palestinian who has the opportunity to voice their opinion. Most of the time I find myself ticking off the obstacles to achieving a lasting peace, or enumerating the different ways in which the international community has duped us. Or I look inward and expose the ills of my own society. Not that these things are unimportant – people have a right to know why we are still in such a dire condition – but I have come to realize that it is equally as important to bask in our own achievements. We deserve to take pride in what we have done right and the changes we were able to make. I am saying these things just as pamphlets are being handed out door-to-door to Palestinians everywhere with a list of settlement products we all must boycott. I personally cannot wait to receive a copy. The pamphlets, part of the Palestinian Authority’s newest campaign to boycott settlements, were produced and distributed by Karama (The National Dignity Fund) and include lists of companies and products along with ways consumers can spot settlement products through the labels. PA customs officials have been turning back truckloads of produce from settlements such as watermelon and cantaloupe and merchants now face fines and even prison sentences if caught selling settlement products. Instead, the campaign urges, Palestinians should turn to locally made products, encourage the economy and support their own. For those products that have no Palestinian alternative, foreign made or even products made in Israel proper are still permissible. There is something to be said for this endeavor. There are too many Palestinians who either don’t know they are buying settlement products or just don’t care. The latter group is obviously worse. The settlement supermarket chain Rami Levy popped up in the news the other day when a Palestinian official warned Palestinians to stop shopping there. It is a disgrace, to say the least. I know more than one person who admits to shopping at that supermarket, located near the Palestinian villages of Jaba’ and Mukhmas, justifying it by saying the prices are lower than Palestinian shops. The market is part of the Shaar Benyamin settlement between Ramallah and Jerusalem where Palestinians have easy access to it because it is on the main road, technically still in the West Bank. But really, there is no excuse for Palestinians to shop at Rami Levy. Not one. Anyway, you know when the Palestinians are doing something right when it gets the settlers are riled up. The boycott has set off alarm bells with the umbrella settler organization, the Yesha Council which called the boycott “an act of terrorism and ill will”, saying Israel should close Israeli ports to Palestinian products in response. The boycott campaign is not the only positive outcome of Palestinian efforts, though. Yesterday, May 18, renowned British signer Elvis Costello announced he would cancel his summer concerts in Israel, citing "conditions that visit intimidation, humiliation or much worse on Palestinian civilians in the name of national security." Costello’s cancellation comes at the heels of other western artists such as Carlos Santana and Gil Scott-Heron who cancelled their concerts in Israel for similar reasons. One can only deduce that movements such as the Palestine Solidarity Movement and the BDS – the Boycott and Divestment and Sanctions Campaign had something to do with urging Costello to cancel his concerts in Israel. Still, the real credit can only be given to this artist, who surmised that his decision was “a matter of instinct and conscience.” We have had other achievements too. Last week, three girls from the Nablus-area Askar refugee camp made history when they won a “special award in applied electronics" at the Intel Science and Engineering Fair in San Jose, California. The teenage girls, who attend an UNRWA-run school in the camp, competed against 1,500 other students from around the world for the most ingenuous and creative invention. Aseel Abu Aleil, Aseel Alshaar and Noor Alarada won the prestigious award for their “electronic sensor cane” for the blind, which not only picks up on incoming objects but also on holes in the ground, the first of its kind. While the invention is amazing enough for any 14-year old girls, it is doubly amazing when you consider the environment in which they operated. In general, West Bank refugee camps are poor, underdeveloped and overcrowded. The girls probably do not have their own room or a reasonably sized workspace to cultivate their genius. They went to a school run by UNRWA, the UN body set up after the catastrophe of 1948 to cater to the immediate needs of Palestinian refugees who suddenly found themselves homeless. While UNRWA schools are widely respected, it is a given fact that these girls were not privileged children. But what they lacked in money, they obviously compensated for in talent, creativity and motivation. Let’s not forget the perseverance of those who protest at Bilin every week against the separation wall there along with international and Israeli peace activists. The Bilin movement has become known worldwide and has become the symbol of Palestinian popular resistance. The movement has held five international conferences so far, has thousands of supporters here in Palestine and abroad and has an iron-willed dedication worthy of comparison to those greats of our time such as Ghandi and Martin Luther King. Bilin is an inspiration to all Palestinians regardless of affiliation or political inclinations because unlike so many other haphazard and sporadic shows of resistance among the Palestinians that ineffectively stop and go, the Bilin movement has been a steady show of resistance for five years running. It has become a household name here in Palestine and everyone across the board have nothing but respect and admiration for those who brave the hostile Israeli army every week, an army that is less than appreciative of the nonviolent protest against the injustice of the wall. So, there are little victories to rejoice in, achievements that have been accomplished against all odds. The Palestinians are not and never will be without hope and should never be written off as a people without a future. Just look at our award winning girls in Askar. Now that is a future worth fighting for. Joharah Baker is a Writer for the Media and Information Department at the Palestinian Initiative for the Promotion of Global Dialogue and Democracy (MIFTAH). She can be contacted at mid@miftah.org. | |
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Palestinian girls nab science prize in Silicon Valley, praise at UN headquarters
Palestinian girls nab science prize in Silicon Valley, praise at UN headquarters
“This is a story about brain power not fire power. You are not only helping the blind, but helping the world to see,” Mr. Ban told the girls during their meeting today at UN Headquarters.
“I am very impressed by your brilliant idea. This is the truth that I repeat every day. By empowering women, we can achieve anything in the world,” the Secretary-General added.
Aseel Abu Aleil, Aseel Alshaar and Noor Alarada earned the “special award in applied electronics” out of 1,500 finalists in last week’s Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, considered the largest pre-college science fair in the world, bringing together “young geniuses” as the Secretary-General called the girls, Nobel Laureates, and other leading scientific thinkers and future employers.
The three 14-year-old girls attend the school run by the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Aska Refugee Camp in Nablus, north of Jerusalem, where they designed the prototype walking cane as a school science project with $200 worth of materials.
Unlike other electronic canes that send an infrared signal forward, the girls’ invention has a “seeing” sensor below that beeps when the surface changes, such as near stairs, holes or water, up to 30 inches away.
“How does it make sound?” the Secretary-General asked trying out the walking stick – a three-foot hollow piece of wood with a comfortable handle, covered with reflective orange strips, and wired inside with a sensor.
Mr. Ban brought the cane near the door – it beeped. He then ran the bottom of the cane against his board room table. At the edge, the cane beeped indicating there was no ground below it.
The girls came up with the idea after watching their relatives struggle on the changing terrain in the refugee camp. It was then perfected with input from organizations that work with visually impaired people, and from the girls’ science and technology teacher, Jamilah Khaled.
“The UNRWA schools have a high level of teaching,” Ms. Khaled told the UN News Centre, listing its modern computer lab and technology workshop, as just two of the resources which help students excel.
“It is important for our society to help people. It is important for Palestinian refugees to continue to learn.”
The girls’ invention was selected as one of three finalists from among 56 projects at the Palestine Science and Technology Exhibition to participate at the Intel ISEF.
“These students show the enormous potential of Palestinian girls and boys. UNRWA in its education programmes want to bring this out. It makes me wonder what we could achieve if our education system were not in the midst of a cash crisis,” said Margot Ellis, UNRWA Deputy Commissioner-General.
The girls return to the West Bank later today, each with a $250 prize, and they plan to “have a big party,” eat Palestinian food, see their parents and sleep, following a whirlwind nine-day visit to the United States, that included seeing the Statue of Liberty and Times Square in New York.
“This has been so unbelievable,” Ms. Alshaar said following the meeting with the Secretary-General.
“Wonderful,” said Ms. Khaled.
“Amazing,” said Ms. Aleil.
“We are so grateful to everyone for helping us,” said Ms. Alshaar showing the walking stick to journalists.
Moments later, the international science award winners were back to being regular teenagers, taking photos of themselves with the artwork on exhibit at the UN Headquarters and telling one of the journalists where they like to go shopping.
As of now, there are no plans to mass produce the walking stick, but the girls would like to see that happen and to continue their science education. Ms. Alshaar plans to be a genetic engineer; Ms. Alarada a cancer researcher and Ms. Aleil a professor of medicine.
News Tracker: past stories on this issue
Palestinian girls take science project from UN school to Silicon Valley
A Palestinian woman is back dropped by the Dome of the Rock Mosque, in the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, also known to Jews as Temple Mount, in Jerusalem's Old City, Tuesday, May 18, 2010. U.S. Mideast envoy George Mitchell is in the region for meetings with the Palestinians and the Israelis separately as part of the indirect talks. The Palestinians refuse to hold direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unless he freezes all Jewish construction in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
Palestinian teenagers form the number 62 in reference to the 62nd anniversary of the "Nakba" during a rally in the West Bank village of Jalameh, near Jenin May 17, 2010. Nakba is a term used by Palestinians to describe the founding of Israel in a 1948 war when some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes. REUTERS/Abed Omar Qusini (WEST BANK - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)
Palestinian refugee Ali Basuni, age 72, holds a deed from his grandfather Ahmed Basuni's land which his family fled from during the 'Nakba', which is Arabic for catastrophe, in 1948, inside the Balata refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Nablus, Monday May 17, 2010. Basuni's family had land prior to 1948 in the village of Yagur, north of Tel Aviv, but they fled to Balata during the Nakba, which uprooted hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)
The Christian Science Monitor May 2010 Photo of the DAY Inside the Balata refugee camp, in the West Bank city of Nablus, Ali Basuni, a Palestinian refuguee holds a deed from his grandfather's land. His family had to flee from their land in 1948 during the Nakba, Arabic for catastrophe. Nakba uprooted some hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. Palestinians marked the 62nd anniversary of Nakba with demonstrations calling for their 'right of return' to their former homes and land. Nasser Ishtayeh/APfrom Growing Gardens for Palestine: Ibtisam ... a poem by Anne Selden Annab
IbtisamHer long brown hair
holds lines
check points
and spelling bees
young America
and old Palestine
Deir Yassin
remembers
the sound of children
growing up- all ages
and moods
... and the massacre
and the refugees...
Her long brown hair
holds lines
of poetry
lifting in the breeze...
shoes get lost
on moonless nights
but memories don't.
Growing Gardens for Palestine
Elvis Costello cancels Israel gig
Elvis Costello cancels Israel gig
JERUSALEM (AFP) – Rocker Elvis Costello has called off planned gigs in Israel, citing what he called the "intimidation" and "humiliation" of Palestinians.The singer-songwriter is the latest music star to cancel performances in Israel after rock guitarist Carlos Santana and rap forefather Gil Scott-Heron called off their shows.
"It is after considerable contemplation that I have lately arrived at the decision that I must withdraw from the two performances scheduled in Israel on the 30th of June and the 1st of July," Costello said on his webpage.
"I must believe that the audience for the coming concerts would have contained many people who question the policies of their government on settlement and deplore conditions that visit intimidation, humiliation or much worse on Palestinian civilians in the name of national security," he said.
Some pro-Palestinian movements advocate an academic and cultural boycott of Israel to protest its occupation of Palestinian territory.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Palestinian woman holds up a symbolic key during a rally marking "Nakba" (Catastrophe) in the West Bank city of Ramallah May 17, 2010. Nakba is a term used by Palestinians to describe the founding of Israel in a 1948 war when some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes. REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY)
Noam Chomsky, a leading American intellectual highly critical of Israel's policies toward the Palestinians, looks at a computer with his daughter Avi in Amman May 17, 2010. Chomsky was denied entry to the West Bank on Sunday by Israeli immigration officials. REUTERS/Majed Jaber (JORDAN - Tags: POLITICS)
Palestinian women in yellow head scarves, the color symbolizing the Fatah movement, hold flags and others holding a key symbolizing the keys to houses left by Palestinians in 1948, during a rally marking the anniversary of the 'Nakba', Arabic for catastrophe, in Gaza City, Saturday, May 15, 2010. The Nakba commemorations mark the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Hatem Moussa)
A Palestinian youth is wrapped in a Palestinian flag during a rally marking the anniversary of the 'Nakba', Arabic for catastrophe, in east Jerusalem, Saturday, May 15, 2010. The Nakba commemorations mark the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
A Palestinian man carries an olive tree during a protest, against the settlements and to mark the anniversary of the 'Nakba', Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank village of Salem near Nablus, Sunday, May 16, 2010. The Nakba commemorations mark the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Nasser Ishtayeh)
A Palestinian woman holds up a symbolic key during a rally marking the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) in the West Bank city of Ramallah May 17, 2010. Nakba is a term used by Palestinians to describe the founding of Israel in a 1948 war when some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes REUTERS/Mohamad Torokman (WEST BANK - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS)
Palestinians hold a symbolic key during a Nakba rally in Gaza City May 15, 2010. Palestinians mark "Nakba" (Catastrophe) on May 15 to commemorate the time when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes in the war that led to the founding of Israel in 1948. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem
Palestinian children participate in a rally to commemorate 'Nakba', which is Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, May 17, 2010. The 62nd anniversary of Nakba, which was marked on Saturday, May 15, 2010 commemorates the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. The Arabic on the headband reads 'Sons of Yasser'.(AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
A Palestinian girl participates in a rally to commemorate 'Nakba', which is Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, May 17, 2010. The 62nd anniversary of Nakba, which was marked on Saturday, May 15, 2010 commemorates the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. The arabic on the headband reads 'Sons of Yasser'. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)
Palestinian children hold up a large kaffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress, with Palestinian flags as they participate in a march to commemorate 'Nakba', which is Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, May 17, 2010. The 62nd anniversary of Nakba, which was marked on Saturday, May 15, 2010 commemorates the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)
Palestinian children hold up a large kaffiyeh, a traditional Arab headdress, as they participate in a march to commemorate 'Nakba', which is Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Monday, May 17, 2010. The 62nd anniversary of Nakba, which was marked on Saturday, May 15, 2010 commemorates the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war.(AP Photo/Tara Todras-Whitehill)
Palestinian youths wave Palestinian flags during a rally marking the anniversary of the 'Nakba', Arabic for catastrophe, in east Jerusalem, Saturday, May 15, 2010. The Nakba commemorations mark the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
A Palestinian flag attached to balloons hangs over the crowd during a rally marking the anniversary of the 'Nakba', Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank city of Hebron, Saturday, May 15, 2010. The Nakba commemorations mark the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)
Israeli left wing activists hold flags and signs as they participate in a rally against West Bank Jewish settlements, in Jerusalem, Saturday, May 15, 2010 (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
Israeli soldiers argue with an activist as a Palestinian child is detained after Jewish settlers and Palestinians threw stones at each other during a Palestinian rally marking the anniversary of the 'Nakba', Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank city of Hebron, Saturday, May 15, 2010. The Nakba commemorations mark the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)
Palestinian children hold drawings during a rally marking the anniversary of the 'Nakba', Arabic for catastrophe, in the West Bank city of Hebron, Saturday, May 15, 2010. The Nakba commemorations mark the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Nasser Shiyoukhi)
The shadow of a symbolic key falls over the scene, as a Palestinian boy walks past graffiti, calling for the right of return for Palestinian refugees in Aida refugee camp in the West Bank city of Bethlehem, Saturday, May 15, 2010. Palestinians on Saturday are marking the Nakba, Arabic for catastrophe, which commemorates the uprooting of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who fled or were driven out of their homes during the 1948 Israeli-Arab war. (AP Photo/Maya Hitij)
A Palestinian woman arranges traditional scarves called "keffiyeh" during an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest chain of scarves, to mark the 62nd anniversary of Nakba in Beirut May 15, 2010. The chain of 6552 scarves which were laid out to form the numbers 194 to represent U.N. Resolution 194, has been listed as a Guinness World Record. REUTERS/ Sharif Karim (LEBANON - Tags: ANNIVERSARY CIVIL UNREST)
Palestinian women wave scarves and their national flag as they celebrate entering the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest chain of scarves, during an attempt to mark the 62nd anniversary of Nakba in Beirut May 15, 2010. The chain of 6552 scarves were laid out to form the numbers 194 to represent U.N. Resolution 194. REUTERS/ Sharif Karim (LEBANON - Tags: ANNIVERSARY CIVIL UNREST)
Guinness Records official Jack Benning Brockbank, third right, looks on as Palestinian organizer Walid Taha, center, carries the certificate for the longest chain of kaffiyeh scarves, a traditional Arab headdress, after a successful attempt to break a previous world record as Palestinians mark the 62nd anniversary of the 'Nakba,' Arabic for catastrophe to commemorate the dispersal of Palestinians during the 1948 war over Israel's creation, in Beirut city stadium, Lebanon, Saturday, May 15, 2010. Palestinians broke the Guinness World Record with a chain of 6552 scarves that were laid to form the number 194 in reference to the U.N. resolution 194. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Tawil)
People gather around the number 194 that was made out of kaffiyeh scarves, a traditional Arab headdress, after a successful attempt to break a Guinness World Record for longest chain of scarves, as Palestinians mark the 62nd anniversary of the 'Nakba,' Arabic for catastrophe to commemorate the dispersal of Palestinians during the 1948 war over Israel's creation, in Beirut city stadium, Lebanon, Saturday, May 15, 2010. Palestinians broke the Guinness World Record with a chain of 6,552 scarves that were laid to form the number 194 in reference to the U.N. resolution 194. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Tawil)
A Palestinian flag flies as 6552 traditional scarves called "keffiyeh" form the number 194 to represent U.N. Resolution 194, during an attempt made to enter the Guinness Book of World Records to mark the 62nd anniversary of Nakba in Beirut May 15, 2010. The chain of scarves was listed as a Guinness World Record. REUTERS/ Sharif karim (LEBANON - Tags: ANNIVERSARY CIVIL UNREST)
Palestinian women wave scarves and their national flag as they celebrate entering the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest chain of scarves, during an attempt to mark the 62nd anniversary of Nakba in Beirut May 15, 2010. The chain of 6552 scarves were laid out to form the numbers 194 to represent U.N. Resolution 194. REUTERS/ Sharif karim (LEBANON - Tags: ANNIVERSARY CIVIL UNREST)
Egyptian protester shouts with a Palestinian flag anti-Israeli and anti-U.S. slogans in front of Lawyers Syndicate in downtown Cairo May 15, 2010. Demonstrators mark "Nakba" (Catastrophe) on May 15 to commemorate the time when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes in the war that led to the founding of Israel in 1948. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh (EGYPT - Tags: CIVIL UNREST POLITICS IMAGES OF THE DAY)
A child drinks milk during a "Nakba" sit-in outside the United Nations office in Amman May 15, 2010. Palestinians mark "Nakba" (Catastrophe) on May 15 to commemorate the time when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes in the war that led to the founding of Israel in 1948. The placards read, "sixty two." REUTERS/Majed Jaber (JORDAN - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST ANNIVERSARY)
A Jordanian boy holds placard during a protest by farmers and unionists at the central market in Amman May 15, 2010. The protest was against the import of fruits and vegetables from Israel and was also held to mark 'Nakba', a term used by Palestinians to describe the founding of Israel in a 1948 war when some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes. The placard reads, "To Jordan free of Israeli goods Interrupt them"." REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed (JORDAN - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST AGRICULTURE BUSINESS ANNIVERSARY)
Palestinian youths walk next to a mural of a tree inscribed with the names of villages and towns from which Palestinians were displaced in 1948, in the West Bank refugee camp of Jenin Saturday, May 15, 2010. Palestinians mark the 62nd anniversary of the creation of the state of Israel on Saturday calling it 'Nakba' or the 'day of the catastrophe', when in 1948 many thousands were forced from their lands and homes.(AP Photo/Mohammed Ballas)
Palestinians hold a symbolic key during a Nakba rally in Gaza City May 15, 2010. Palestinians mark "Nakba" (Catastrophe) on May 15 to commemorate the time when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes in the war that led to the founding of Israel in 1948. REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)
Palestinians attend a Nakba rally in Gaza City May 15, 2010. Palestinians mark "Nakba" (Catastrophe) on May 15 to commemorate the time when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes in the war that led to the founding of Israel in 1948.REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)
A Palestinian girl attends a Nakba rally in Gaza City May 15, 2010. Palestinians mark "Nakba" (Catastrophe) on May 15 to commemorate the time when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes in the war that led to the founding of Israel in 1948 REUTERS/Mohammed Salem (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)