Bil'in demo 18.09.09

Today's weekly demonstration in Bil'in was briefer than usual. The day marks a holiday both in the Muslim and Jewish calendar. Muslims are celebrating the end of the Holy month of Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr*), and the Jewish are celebrating New Year's Eve tonight.

There was little soldier presence today. After a multiple shot of tear gas and some follow-ups, the Palestinian protesters announced that the demonstration should end because they did not want any problems today and wished to return home early due to the holidays. It ended without any incidents or arrests.

Although the turnout today was smaller than usual, it was important to show that the resistance against the military occupation is continuing in Bil'in.

* "Eid-ul-Fitr (Id al-Fitr) is linked with the Holy month of Ramadan. It signifies the end of the month of fasting (the first day of the month of Shawwal).
Eid-ul-Fitr is a unique festival. It has no connection with any historical event nor is it related to the changes of seasons or cycles of agriculture. It is not a festival related in any way to worldly affairs.
Its significance is purely spiritual. It is the day when the Muslims thank God for having given them the will, the strength and the endurance to observe fast and obey His commandment during the holy month of Ramadan.
This day, in Muslim world, brings rejoicing and happiness. The rejoicing is not, however, at the departure of the month of Ramadan; it is the happiness which man feels after successfully completing an important task.
It is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Eid-ul-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation.
The feast of Fitr is God's reward for those who fast during the holy month of Ramadan. In this month, man should try to add to his true knowledge of God, do acts of charity for the needy, renew his beliefs towards his Lord and this will be a real Bairam Feast (Turkish word meaning festival) for him. The prayers of the day of Bairam a reason of unity and solidarity of Muslims all over the world. On this day do honor God for His endless and all-enhancing mercy."


Thank you for you continued support,

Iyad Burnat- Head of Popular Commitee in Bilin
co-founder of Friends of Freedom and Justice - Bilin