Peace activists attacked by hooded settlers while documenting what they say is illegal Jewish construction in south Mount Hebron; leftist, activist injured in altercation. 'This was a lynch attempt,' leftist says

By Olga Goretzky

24-1-2010
A left-wing activist and a settler were injured Saturday during a clash near the Hill 18 outpost in the West Bank's south Mount Hebron area.

The leftists videotaped the event, saying their footage proves the settlers attacked them without provocation. The peace activists arrived at the site to document what they claim is illegal Jewish construction in the area.

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Video courtesy of Ta'ayush

Left-wing activist Keren Shalom of the Ta'ayush organization was struck in the head by a stone and evacuated to the hospital with mild injuries. "I arrived at Hill 18 to document illegal construction. As I was leaving hooded settlers came out of one of the structures and began throwing stones at us. A huge stone hit me in the head," she told Ynet.

"I was shocked that they did it with so much hatred. Thirteen of us arrived there, and we were attacked by four people, who were urged on by others," said Shalom, adding that security forces were late arriving at the scene, allowing the settlers to flee.

Leftist Yehuda Igus filed a complaint with the police. "They called us traitors, murderers and sons of bitches," he said, "We continued to walk without responding. Part of our ideology is not to resort to violence, and we pay a price for this."

Settlers throw stones (Photo courtesy of Ta'ayush)

Igus, who has been involved in several clashes with settlers, said, "This incident was the most frightening so far. Luckily, it ended without serious injuries – Keren was lucky. It's been a while since I've witnessed such a lynch attempt."

The IDF declared the area a closed military zone and ordered the leftists to clear the area.

One of the settlers responded to the allegations by saying, "This is not the first time that left-wing extremists come here to provoke us and throw stones. When we defend ourselves, edited footage of the event reaches the media."

Police blamed both sides for the altercation.

Efrat Weiss contributed to the report

Source

Video courtesy of Ta'ayush